Who came up with the reconstructive memory theory?
Barlett (1932)
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Briefly describe the reconstructive memory theory
The idea that every time we recall something, we reconstruct it on a basis of what probably happened or what usually happens
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What is a schema?
A mental script of how things go, made up of all our previous experiences and expectations, they are thought as packets of stored info or knowledge about a specific event or object etc
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Give an example of a schema using going to the cinema as an example
Go to the cinema, you buy a ticket and maybe some food to take in, you go to the screen and find your seat corresponding to your ticket
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When do we use schema's?
When we need to fill in the gaps, we use them to reconstruct our memories.
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Whats a problem with us using schema's?
It causes us to recall things that maybe didn't happen, making recall errors. They can also be heavily influenced by stereotypes
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How did Bartlett investigate reconstructive memory?
Serial reproduction method- War of the ghosts story was read by participants, they were asked to recall the story after certain periods of time (Mins, hours, weeks, months etc)
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What did Bartlett discover?
People changed the story every time it was recalled and it became shorter every time, they also filled in the gaps with their own interpretations so that the story made more sense
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Supporting evidence
War of ghosts, recall changed and became shorter each time
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Conflicting evidence
War of ghosts doesn't make sense, not representative of real life, creates demand characteristics, manipulated to support theory
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Other explanations
The theory is descriptive rather than explanatory, doesn't state how schemas are acquired or how information is stored etc, the MSM is a better explanation
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Usefulness
It means that we can apply this to EWTs and so we should be more cautious when relying on them, they can be inaccurate due to schemas and inaccurate recall
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Briefly describe the reconstructive memory theory
Back
The idea that every time we recall something, we reconstruct it on a basis of what probably happened or what usually happens
Card 3
Front
What is a schema?
Back
Card 4
Front
Give an example of a schema using going to the cinema as an example
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