Reconstructive theory of memory - Bartlett Flashcards
main assumptions about the LTM
encoding, storing and retrieving information from the LTM causes it to change
why does info change in the LTM?
to reflect our stored knowledge and experiences (schemas)
shows that memory is not accurate proof of what happened
schema
organises our knowledge about things, people or situations
cause us to have expectations
can affect how we perceive the world and remember things
why are schemas said to have a top-down influence on perception?
they are processed from the top-down
effort after meaning
the considerable effort people spend trying to connect a stimulus to some knowledge or experience they already possess
once it gains meaning, it is easier to process
the 7 ways schemas can distort recall
rationalisation
confabulation
distortion
assimilation
levelling
sharpening
accomodation
rationalisation
reasoning about what must have happened
confabulation
unconsciously filling any gaps in recall with made up information
distortion
changing details so they fit in with schemas
levelling
when parts of stories are kept out and the stories are toned down so that some parts are excluded
it makes it easier to fill in the memory gaps that exist
sharpening
when small details are remembered in the retelling of stories
levelling and sharpening
use of previous memories when attempting to assimilate new information with prior knowledge
automatic and exist within memory
accomodation
developing new schemas / changing schemas due to new information
what story did Bartlett give to the ppts and A01 about the story.
‘War of the Ghost’ story
North American Folk Tale - ppts unfamiliar with the style of the story and some of the words
what happened when ppts tried to recall the story and why
culturally unfamiliar words were left out - e.g. ‘hunting for seals’ the verb was changed to ‘fishing for seals’
story lacked detail - lack of existing schemas for the story - north american folk tale, british ppts
story didn’t fit with the ppts schemas
