Bartlett's Theory of Reconstructive Memory (1932)

Question 1

What is omission?

Answer 1

leaving out unpleasant or unfamiliar details

Question 2

What is transformation?

Answer 2

details are changed to make them more rational

Question 3

What is familiarisation?

Answer 3

unfamiliar details are changed to align with schema

Question 4

What is rationalization?

Answer 4

adding detail into our recall to give reason for something

Question 5

Strengths of Bartlett’s Theory of Reconstructive Memory?

Answer 5

• This theory has practical application, it helps us understand why memory can become distorted
• Is ecologically valid, participants would remember story hours, days and even months later, which is a realistic use of memory

Question 6

Weaknesses of Bartlett’s Theory of Reconstructive Memory?

Answer 6

• Bartlett would listen and analyse the story and then give his own interpretation of it. The data can be subjective and will weaken the theory.
• Bartlett was not scientific in his procedures, he was interested about the participant’s memories rather than fixing proper controls and procedures. This weakens the research.