Memory as an active process

The theory of reconstructive memory states that people recreate their memories by actively using what they already know and believe about the world.

Describe and evaluate one study that has investigated reconstructive memory.

Describe the method used by Bartlett in his ‘War of the Ghosts’ study.

Which two of the following statements about the reconstructive theory of memory are correct?

Shade two boxes.

Briefly evaluate the reconstructive theory of memory.

Bartlett investigated the idea that memory is an active process. He gave each participant a Native American Indian story called ‘War of the Ghosts’. He then asked each participant to retell this story several times. He found that participants changed parts of the story when they retold it.

Evaluate Bartlett’s ‘War of the Ghosts’ study.

Describe Bartlett’s ‘War of the Ghosts’ study.

Read the following information.

Use your knowledge of the theory of reconstructive memory to explain why each eyewitness gave different descriptions of the same robber.

Explain one weakness of the reconstructive theory of memory.

Evaluate the theory of reconstructive memory.