Reliability of reconstructive memory

Memory

Cognitive process of storing, encoding and retrieving information 

Theory of reconstructive memory

Suggests memory is not a passive recall of information from the LTM, but instead actively reconstructed in the mind each time an event is remembered 

Reconstructive memory is influenced by

• Schemas

• Emotion

• Misleading questions

As this influences the way an individual reconstructs memory within the brain.

Yuille + Cutshalls (1986)

Aim: to investigate the effect of misleading questions on the reconstructive memory of 13-eyewitnesses of a real crime scene 
Sample: 13 eyewitness of a real crime scene
Procedure: had to give an account of the event, asked misleading questions, had to rate level of stress
Findings: 10/13 eyewitness did not ‘buy into’ the leading questions 

Yuille + Cutshall 1986 - LINK

• Suggests that leading questions do not affect reconstructive memory in emotionally significant events

• Flashbulb memory - events of emotional significance are resistant to being forgotten