Explain reconstructive memory with reference to one study.

Reconstructive Memory Theory

A theory suggesting that memory is not a perfect recording of events but is reconstructed through schemas, beliefs, imagination, and later information, which can cause distortions.

Misinformation Effect

Proposed by Elizabeth Loftus, this effect describes how memory can be altered by misleading information presented after an event, especially through the phrasing of questions.

Nature of Reconstructive Memory

Memories are influenced by pre-existing schemas during processing, storage, and retrieval. New or misleading information can distort original memories, leading to inaccuracies.

Supporting Study — Loftus & Palmer (1974)

Aimed to investigate how leading questions affect eyewitness testimony and the accuracy of memory recall.

Loftus & Palmer (1974) — Participants & Method

Participants were shown seven short clips of car accidents and asked to recall details through a questionnaire after each clip.

Loftus & Palmer (1974) — Independent Variable

The wording of the critical question about car speed: participants were asked, “How fast were the cars going when they hit/smashed/contacted each other?”

Loftus & Palmer (1974) — Hypothesis

Leading questions would influence participants’ schema processing and therefore distort their memory recall of the accidents.

Loftus & Palmer (1974) — Findings

Participants who heard the word “smashed” estimated higher speeds than those who heard “hit” or “contacted.”

Loftus & Palmer (1974) — Conclusion

The wording of questions can activate different schemas and alter memory reconstruction. Words like “smashed” created a more intense mental image of the accident.

How Loftus & Palmer Support Reconstructive Memory

The study demonstrates that memory can be distorted by the phrasing of questions, supporting the idea that recall is reconstructive rather than perfectly reliable.

Strength of Reconstructive Memory Theory

Explains why eyewitness testimony can be unreliable and highlights the influence of schemas and external information on memory.

Limitation of the Theory

Laboratory experiments like Loftus & Palmer lack ecological validity, as real-life memories may be influenced by stronger emotions or context.

SAQ Link

Reconstructive memory theory suggests that memory is influenced by schemas and external information. Loftus & Palmer (1974) supports this by showing that leading questions distort memory through schema activation.