Reliability of Memory and Reconstructive Memory

Bartlett’s (1932) Theory of Reconstructive Memory

• Concept: Bartlett suggested memories are not stored precisely like a computer but are notes of experiences.
• Reconstruction: When recalling, we reconstruct memories using general knowledge or schemas.
• Schemas: These are packets of information about events, people, or places, unique and shaped by experience.
  • Role: Aid in perception, encoding, and recall, potentially leading to inaccuracies as they fill in memory gaps.

Importance of Memory Reliability

• Eyewitness Testimonials: Inaccuracy can lead to wrongful accusations.

Bartlett's 1932 Study

Aims

• Investigate if story memory is impacted by prior knowledge.
• Examine cultural impacts on memory distortion.
• Test reconstructive memory and cultural schema influence.

Procedure

• Sample: 20 British participants.
• Method: Repeated reproduction using an unfamiliar Native American story, "The War of the Ghosts".
• Recall Intervals: Immediate after reading, then over extended periods (up to 10 years).

Results

• Findings: Memory reconstruction involved social and cultural rationalization.
  1. Shortened stories by omission.
  2. Changed story language and concepts to fit cultural understanding (e.g., "boats" instead of "canoes").
  3. Fixed recalled versions with slight variations.

Conclusion

• Memory involves active reconstruction, not passive retention.
• Meaning-making aids memory but may reduce accuracy.

Evaluation

• Researcher Bias Risk: Bartlett's sole data collection may have introduced bias.
• Validity Concerns: Possible other influences on memory recall (e.g., personal factors).

Yullie and Cutshall (1986) Study

Aim

• Assess if leading questions alter eyewitness memory in real crime scenarios.

Procedure

• Crime Scene: Armed robbery and shooting in Vancouver.
• Eyewitnesses: Interviewed 4 months post-incident.
• Questions: Used leading questions about nonexistent and altered details.

Findings

• Reliability: High accuracy, unaffected by leading questions.
• Contradictory to Loftus & Palmer: Emotional context may influence memory stability.

Conclusion

• Schemas had little effect on recall accuracy; memories can be reliable for significant events.

Evaluation

• Real Crime Context: Emotional engagement may enhance detail retention, complicating variable control.

Additional Study: Loftus & Palmer

• Investigated influence of leading questions on speed estimation.

Large Argumentative Question (LAQ)

Theory Discussion

• Schemas: Influence recall by filling gaps, potentially manipulating information.

Study Summaries

1. Bartlett: Highlights schema influence on memory inaccuracy.
2. Yullie & Cutshall: Shows emotional events may produce reliable memories, opposing reconstructive theory.

Conclusion

• Memory reliability varies; reconstructive theory applies variably depending on context and emotional factors.