Bartlett’s (1932) Theory of Reconstructive Memory

Question 1

schema (memory)

Answer 1

a packet of knowledge about an event, person or place that influences how we perceive and remember

Question 2

Active reconstruction

Answer 2

our memories are interpretations of events, not exact copies that are influenced by our schema when we remember them again

Question 3

how schemas are formed

Answer 3

• formed throughout life and experiences

- schemas are unique and personal to an individual

Question 4

how schemas influence memory

Answer 4

(schemas cause us to ignore/change details when recalled)

4 ways schemas influence memory:

• omission
• transformation
• familiarisation
• rationalisation

Question 5

omission

Answer 5

Leave out unfamiliar, irrelevant or unpleasant details when remembering something

Question 6

transformation

Answer 6

Details are changed to make them more familiar & rational

Question 7

rationalisation

Answer 7

Adding details to give reason for something that may not have originally fitted with a schema

Question 8

familiarisation

Answer 8

unfamiliar details are changed to align with our own schema

Question 9

strength of theory

Answer 9

– Real-world applications:
*Helps us understand why memory becomes distorted,
*Cognitive interviews prevent crime eyewitnesses misremembering events (Avoids omissions and transmissions)
– High ecological validity:
*His methods of remembering stories is a realistic use of memory

Question 10

weakness of theory

Answer 10

– Subjective findings:
Bartlett interpreted everything himself
– Unscientific procedures:
Not much standardised procedure