Reconstructive memory Flashcards
outline reconstructive memory
when we recall an event we often recall things based on what we know from past experiences. so when recalling an event we mix it up with elements of our existing knowledge and expectations.
what are schemas give an example.
parcels of information about everything we know. they help us to make sense of the world. ie when we go into a restaurant, we expect to be seated, to have our order taken by a waiter, to be served our food and ask for the bill.
what is transformation
when new information is added in to fill in a memory and make sense of what’s going on around us. the memory becomes more consistent to cultural expectations.
what is the name given to false memories that are added to complete the memories so it makes sense.
confabulation
rationalisation is when __
you change the order of the event to make it make sense and meet cultural expectations. ie I couldn’t see where I was going, so it must have been dark.
what is simplification
when you condense knowledge so it can be more easily stored.
what is perception
when you apply labels to objects and events which can be used to recall memory of an event.
what is imaging
when you give something meaning so that it can easily be stored. we do this by using our own stored images to interpret memories.
give research to support. how good
Bartlett found that ppts shortened words from 330 words to 180 words and the story was distorted and unfamiliar details omitted (simplification) rationalised canoes to boats to make it more familiar.
it was a North American folk story which was difficult to comprehend and written in an old-fashioned style. lack mundane realism and difficult to establish cause and effect.
high reliability so can be replicated to test the consistency of findings.
what is the application of research.
understanding how memories can easily be manipulated by post event information such as police giving leading questions. improvement of police questioning techniques. the delvin report was designed to state that conviction cannot be based on EWT alone.
give a criticism of reconstructive memory.
yuille and cutshall found that EWT to real life crimes was not influenced by leading questions.
give a comparison.
MSM of memory suggests how LTM can decay when not retrieved from LTM into STM. better explanation as it explains why we forget things whereas RM doesn’t explain why we reconstruct memory.
