topic 2 - Theory of Reconstructive Memory (Bartlett, 1932)

Question 1

what is active reconstruction?

Answer 1

memories are not stored in their exact form but are instead notes about what we experienced and when we recall these memories we retrieve the notes and elaborate on them using our general knowledge of similar events. It means our memories are not an exact copy but an interpretation.

Question 2

in bartletts theory, what is a schema? desribe and define.

Answer 2

in bartletts theory a schema is a packed of knowledge about events or situations as well as people or places can influence how we percieve and remember.

Question 3

in bartletts thoery, how are schemas formed?

Answer 3

according to Bartlett our schemas are formed throughout our lived through experiences.m

Question 4

define omissions

Answer 4

omissions is when we leave out unfamiliar, irrelevant or unpleasant details when remembering something. Our schema simplifies this information.

Question 5

define transformations.

Answer 5

transformation is when details are changed to make them more familiar and rational

Question 6

define familiarisation.

Answer 6

familiarisation is when we change unfamiliar details to align our own schema

Question 7

define rationalisation

Answer 7

rationalisation is when we add details into our recall to give a reason for something that may not have originally fitted with our schema/

Question 8

what are the strengths of this theory?

Answer 8

one strength is Bartletts experiment has real-world practical application and helps us understand why and how memory can become distorted.

another strength is that Bartlett conducted his research using folk stories and images often asking participants to remember them hours, days or even years later. remembering stories is a realistic use of memory, therefore, it is ecologically valid.

Question 9

what are the weaknesses of the theory?

Answer 9

bartlett developed his theory by reading and interpreting stories and pictures reproduced by participants, therefore, he gave his own interpretation of what his participants recalled. This could make bartletts findings subjective which is considered to be unscientific.

bartlett was not using scientific procedures such as standardised procedures and controls. this may weaken the research that was used to form the theory.