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Bartlett: Reconstructive Memory & Schemas (Schemas (What? (Schemas:…
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?
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
Will 'confabulate' details (fill in the gaps) of an event to fit what it is 'supposed' to be
Accommodation
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
the opposite of Assimilation
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
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