Memory And Constructive Memory

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Introduction: Before we define constructive memory, we must define memory. Memory is an active process that allows information to be retrieved to the brain, stored and possibly maintained. Based on Atkinson and Shiffrin's Multi store model, memory is stored into the sensory memory, the short-term memory and long term memory if researched and maintained. Reconstructive memory on the other hand, is an elaboration on memory that refers to the process of remembering of past events while being able to reconstruct the same experience previously. It involves remembering the generic, and general ideas of past events as well as having the same expectations and assumptions of something we have experienced similarly from the past. These so-called reconstructed …show more content…

Bransford and Johnson (1972) also showed that schemas assist us in memorization and interpretation. Macrae et al. (1994) demonstrated how schemas in terms of schemas information processing by simplifying it and thus enabling more effortless and efficient processing. Thus, reconstruction memory is not always inaccurate. Life is full of repetitive patterns and by capturing essential regularities, schemas help us predict future occurrences and fill up the general missing blanks instinctively. However, Several studies have shown the unreliability of using reconstructive memory in eyewitness testimony, including Loftus and Palmer’s (1974) famous laboratory experiments as well as the meta-analysis by Deffenbacher et al. (2004). Representative studies including Loftus’s weapon effect study showed how attention has affected reliability. On the same token, research on the role of stress and emotion on eyewitness testimony provides additional information about the settings in which eyewitness testimony may be expected to be unreliable. Ultimately, we should be conscious on how our schemas work, as it can distort our memory through generalization and misinterpretation. All in all, schemas play a role in filling the big picture, but not the details, suggesting us to carefully monitor the details in what we expect, assume and

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