Reconstructive memory

Question 1

What is reconstructive memory?

Answer 1

Where we recall an event inaccurately, due to rebuilding the memory based on past experiences, knowledge, beliefs, etc

Question 2

What did Bartlett (1932) state about reconstructive memory?

Answer 2

That we make ‘effort after meaning’ when recalling - Instead of recalling events exactly, we mix it with existing knowledge

Question 3

How is reconstructive memory and schemas linked?

Answer 3

We reconstruct the past by trying to fit into existing schemas - more difficult this is, the easier it is to forget and make distortions

Question 4

Why are memories forgotten?

Answer 4

• We ignore info that doesnt fit with schema
• We remember the gist but not the details
• Use schema-based knowledge to interpret sotuations to fill gaps
• Schemas help us guess what happened when we can’t remember