MEMORY: CONSTRUCTION AND DISTORTION

I. Episodic vs. generic memory

A. Definition of the distinction

B. Examples of generic memory

1. Linguistic knowledge (syntax and word meanings)

2. Knowledge of skills

3. Use of logical operations

C. Usefulness of the distinction

D. Problems: not dichotomous, but continuous

II. Memory as a constructive process

A. Alternatives to "state-ic" memory research (Neisser, 1982)

B. Abstractive nature of memory

1. Linguistic memory for prose (Sachs, 1967, 1974)

a. good recognition for the meaning or gist

b. but poor (LTM) recognition of sentence form

2. Anderson & Bower: Depends on related sentences

C. Integrative nature of memory: Memory for sentences (Bransford & Franks, 1971)

1. Bransford & Franks (1971): Combining elements of related sentences

2. Franks & Bransford (1971): Prototype effect in visual pattern memory

3. Linton (1982): Memory for life events, episodic becomes generic

D. Constructive nature of memory: Bartlett (1932)

1. Repeated reproduction and serial reproduction

2. "War of the Ghosts": Effort after meaning

a. Style of story noted but poorly reproduced

b. Errors of omission, condensation

c. Errors of alteration, rationalization

3. Schema theory: Active, organized setting of "past reactions or past experiences, which must be operating in any well-adapted organic response"

a. constructive memory: special adaptation

b. reflection on current relevant schema

c. unable to analyze detailed component structure

d. but prominent attitude derived from schema

e. construction of memory to explain attitude

III. Examples of natural episodic memory

A. Flashbulb memory (Brown & Kulik, 1977)

1. Examples: Kennedy assassination; Challenger explosion; 9/11

2. Explanation: "Now Print" theory

3. Neisser (1982) analysis: Constructive memory

B. John Deanís memory (Neisser, 1982)

C. Accuracy of eyewitness testimony

1. Example: Loftus & Palmer (1974)

2. Effect of traumatic information (Christianson et al., 1991)

3. Effectiveness of hypnosis (e.g., O'Connell et al., 1970)

4. Repression and recovery of memories: Possible? Reliable?

a. possibly no: Implanting memories (Ofshe, 1992)

b. possibly yes: Women's recall of childhood abuse (Williams, 1995)

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MEMORY: CONSTRUCTION AND DISTORTION

I. Episodic vs. generic memory

A. Definition of the distinction

B. Examples of generic memory

1. Linguistic knowledge (syntax and word meanings)

2. Knowledge of skills

3. Use of logical operations

C. Usefulness of the distinction

D. Problems: not dichotomous, but continuous

II. Memory as a constructive process

A. Alternatives to "state-ic" memory research (Neisser, 1982)

B. Abstractive nature of memory

1. Linguistic memory for prose (Sachs, 1967, 1974)

a. good recognition for the meaning or gist

b. but poor (LTM) recognition of sentence form

2. Anderson & Bower: Depends on related sentences

C. Integrative nature of memory: Memory for sentences (Bransford & Franks, 1971)

1. Bransford & Franks (1971): Combining elements of related sentences

2. Franks & Bransford (1971): Prototype effect in visual pattern memory

3. Linton (1982): Memory for life events, episodic becomes generic

D. Constructive nature of memory: Bartlett (1932)

1. Repeated reproduction and serial reproduction

2. "War of the Ghosts": Effort after meaning

a. Style of story noted but poorly reproduced

b. Errors of omission, condensation

c. Errors of alteration, rationalization

3. Schema theory: Active, organized setting of "past reactions or past experiences, which must be operating in any well-adapted organic response"

a. constructive memory: special adaptation

b. reflection on current relevant schema

c. unable to analyze detailed component structure

d. but prominent attitude derived from schema

e. construction of memory to explain attitude

III. Examples of natural episodic memory

A. Flashbulb memory (Brown & Kulik, 1977)

1. Examples: Kennedy assassination; Challenger explosion; 9/11

2. Explanation: "Now Print" theory

3. Neisser (1982) analysis: Constructive memory

B. John Deanís memory (Neisser, 1982)

C. Accuracy of eyewitness testimony

1. Example: Loftus & Palmer (1974)

2. Effect of traumatic information (Christianson et al., 1991)

3. Effectiveness of hypnosis (e.g., O'Connell et al., 1970)

4. Repression and recovery of memories: Possible? Reliable?

a. possibly no: Implanting memories (Ofshe, 1992)

b. possibly yes: Women's recall of childhood abuse (Williams, 1995)