Bartlett: Reconstructive Memory & Schemas

Memory is not like a tape recorder

Does not play back accurately

It changes / reconstructs the event

Can be influenced by 'schemas'

Schemas

What?

Accommodation

Schemas: groups that our memories are categorized in

Schemas = organizers e.g what is supposed to happen in a certain situation / what it is meant to look like

memories are changed to fit our schema. That way, they do not need to change and will 'remain intact'

Achieved by:

Levelling = removing / downplaying details

Sharpening = exaggerating / adding details

Changing Schemas

developing new schemas: expose yourself to a new situation / setting and pay attention to how other people act / what happens

Assimilation of new info

change our schemas to fit what we have learned

the opposite of Assimilation

Will 'confabulate' details (fill in the gaps) of an event to fit what it is 'supposed' to be

War of the Ghosts

showed 20 students a Native American ghost story

asked them to read it then recall it on several occasions (serial reproduction)

Participants:

shortened the story (330 words to 180 words)

confabulated details (change unfamiliar parts to ideas in line with their schemas)

canoes = boats

rationalised the story (made explanations)

missed out the “ghosts” but described a battle between Native American tribes

Issues with War of the Ghosts

didn’t use many experimental controls

Asked them to reproduce the story whenever was convenient

The changes in the stories were also down to his own subjective opinion