Reconstructive Memory

Question 1

What did Bartlett believe about memory?

Answer 1

Bartlett (1932) states that the process of memory is an active reconstruction of bits of information that are stored, Reconstructions are made by combining real elements of the memory with existing knowledge. In his inkblot tests, he got participants to interpret what they saw, he said that people tended to describe what they saw based on their own interests and experiences. shows that perception is an active reconstruction of what we see using prior knowledge/ Schemas to guide our judgements.

Question 2

What is War of the Ghosts study?

Answer 2

• Bartlett conducted the War of the ghosts study and tested people over different time periods with the longest being 6 ½ years. He found that story was simplified (shortened), transformed (words changed), distorted (Bits were rearranged), transformed (Abnormal parts explained)Even after a few minutes. Research to test reconstructive memory and how we recall repeated many times – high level of reliability of results (Replicated with different groups and found consistent results) – pps consistently transformed, rationalised, simplified, and distorted information. Adds to credibility of reconstructive theory and schema theory.

Question 3

Evaluate Bartlett’s research

Answer 3

Bartletts research had low internal validity due to lack of standardised procedures, control in the fact that participants had different experiences. The research also had low mundane realism since the story was not culturally equal to how we tell stories.

Question 4

What are schemas?

Answer 4

According to Bartlett, we fill in gaps using schemas , which will become more specific with ageing, within these schemas, some information is fixed (Unchangeable) and some is variable (Changeable). A schema of a dog may be having four legs and a tail, it may be assimilated (Adding new information) to having sharp teeth, the schema may be accommodated if child is bitten, may develop schema of new dog. Barlett suggests schemas are used to reconstruct memory when we try to recall an event – others suggest we also use schemas when we experience the event itself because we must understand what has happened.

Question 5

Evaluate reconstructive memory

Answer 5

• Bartlett’s theory has high application value – can be applied to our judicial system as the use of eyewitness testimony has be questioned. According to Bartlett memory is unreliable and any recall of events will be influenced by schemas and perception.