Bartlett

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate how cultural schemas can influence memory

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

A study on a group of British school boys
1. Bartlett told the Native American legend, “The War of the Ghosts”
2. Separated into two groups
- Repeated reproduction: told to reproduce it after a short time and then to do so again repeatedly over a period of days (within oneself)
- Serial reproduction: told to recall the story and repeat it to another person

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

• No difference between the two conditions
• Certain foreign names or details were completely removed (leveling) *after 6-7 shares in serial reproduction, the story was about 180 words long
• Certain foreign concepts or words were replaced by more familiar ones (canoe->boat)
• Also added their own details/changed the order (sharpening)

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

• Shows cultural schemas affect the way in which things are remembered because participants assimilated the story into their pre-existing schemas
• Shows the process of recalling is an active process that can be influenced by schemas (proactive interference)