what is the reconstructive memory theory?
A theory of long-term memory developed by Bartlett
Proposes that our memories are never exact copies of what we first encoded
how are new memories made?
To register new information and make new memories we must first search through previously stored information
what are schemas?
Our minds contain mental frameworks that help us organise information. These are called schemas
Schemas are developed through previous experiences we have had
what is the effort after meaning?
once an individual makes sense of new information and gains a meaning it can be stored
when retrieving an existing memory, what happens?
We have to first reconstruct it
We may rationalise their memories so it makes sense
We may also confabulate the memory so we fill in the gaps that are missing. This may come from stereotypes we hold.
