THEORY; RECONSTRUCTIVE MEMORY - BARTLETT

What is a schema?

A mental representation of the world formed by prior experiences / knowledge

Function of schemas

As active processors, humans process information through schemas. Schemas are used to understand, simplify & predict the world;

• organize current knowledge

• assist recall

• guide behaviour

• provide a framework for future understanding

What does schema theory predict?

Information & gaps in information are processed in the light of existing schemas. Affect cognitive processes such as memory

Reconstructive memory theory

• Contrary to previous beliefs, Bartlett argued that memory is not a reproduction of reality but a reconstruction → people store & retrieve information according to expectations formed by schemas. some elements are missing or distorted

Influence of schemas on memory

• Knowledge fits schema; schema helps to remember

• Knowledge doesn’t fit; information could end up not being encoded/stored. not noticed or registered in memory

• Retrieval; information can be forgotten (missing information) or distorted - gaps are filled with pre-existing schemas, or post-event information

Strengths of reconstructive memory

• Tested and supported by numerous studies. E.g Bartlett War of the Ghosts showing participants reconstructing memory of a Native American story to fit their British cultural schema (“canoes” → “boats”)

• Based on naturalistic research. E.g Bartlett, realistic task of recalling a story, unlike previous research of remembering syllables or images. increased credibility in real situations

Objections

• However, based on research lacking scientific rigour- minimal standardised controls during the recall process

Applications of reconstructive memory

• Predicts that memory is changed by information that doesn’t fit a schema being forgotten + gaps filled in; applicability to understanding memory distortion

• Useful to assess the validity of eyewitness testimonies - studies show memory can be distorted, so it can be applied to improving the process of collecting data from eyewitnesses

Differences of reconstructive memory to other theories

• Can’t explain why some things are recalled accurately despite not fitting in schemas- MSM explains with the role of rehearsal to consolidate a memory

• Incomplete- cannot explain all memories, e.g some things being recalled without distortion. Flashbulb theory explains with the role of emotion in increasing accuracy of memory