Reconstructive Memory

Theoretical Understanding of Reconstructive Memory

• Reconstructive memory is predicated on the idea that memories are not stored as perfect facsimiles or replica but are reconstructed during recall.
• This theory was proposed by the notable psychologist, Sir Frederic Bartlett, who heavily emphasised that instead of copying information, human beings reconstruct it.

The Role of Schemas

• Schemas are key to understanding the reconstructive memory theory. They are mental frameworks that influence how we interpret information.
• Bartlett stated that we utilise these schemas to fill in gaps in our memories, leading to possible alteration and distortion of the original memory.

The ‘War of Ghosts’ Study

• A famous experiment that supports the theory of reconstructive memory is Bartlett’s ‘War of the Ghosts’ study.
• It demonstrated that participants changed the unfamiliar elements in the story to make them more understandable in their own cultural context, thus exhibiting the influence of schemas.

The Influence of Expectations and Misinformation

• A key element of reconstructive memory is the role of expectations and misinformation. These can subtly alter our memory, a phenomenon explored in Loftus and Palmer’s study on eyewitness testimony.
• This highlights how post-event information can distort an individual’s recollection of an event.

Importance and Applicability

• Understanding reconstructive memory has vital implications in numerous aspects of everyday life - from witnessing a crime to simply retelling a past anecdote.
• One of the significant areas of application is in the legal system, particularly in the accuracy of eyewitness testimonies.