Hey everyone!
Can someone please help me out by explaining the concept of 'reconstruction' in the below dot point:
Reliability of memory
•methods to retrieve information from memory or demonstrate the existence of information in memory, including
recall, recognition, relearning and reconstruction
Edrolo says it's 'rearranging the parts of an original task into sequence or order', but every other resource describes it in terms of filling in gaps in a memory based on past experience, etc. to form a complete memory.
Help please!
I'd like to add what I think onto this too! There are two definitions, or explanations, of reconstruction.
1. method to retrieve information
2. as described by Loftus.
The first definition, which is referred to in the study design dot point above that you've pasted, involves breaking up the original task and rearranging the parts into sequence or order. For example, if I break apart a doll into its head, body, arms and legs, reconstruction would involve you putting the pieces back together to form what you think the doll originally looked like. This is what edrolo is referring to.
From my memory, there hasn't been any questions that have required you to have knowledge of the above definition (for VCAA), however as it is mentioned in the study design, it is good to know. I personally haven't learnt this in class, although my psych teacher is a literal god, so it probably means it's near irrelevant but it is good to know anyways. It's better to be safe than sorry on the exam.
The second definition is as described by Elizabeth Loftus, who did work into the reconstruction of memory, as you've probably already learnt. This is highlighted in this dot point in the study design:
"The reconstruction of memories as evidence for the fallibility of memory, with reference to Loftus’ research into the effect of leading questions on eye-witness testimonies."
So, as you can see, the study design refers to reconstruction in two different parts of the study design. VCAA loves to test students on Loftus' reconstruction. Reconstruction involves combining stored information with other available information to form what is believed to be a more coherent or accurate memory.
If you aren't sure which type of reconstruction to use to answer the question, I would almost always go for the second one because this is most commonly tested. However, it won't be difficult to discern which one to use. If the question references Loftus' research or refers to eyewitness testimony, reconstructive nature of memory, etc, then you'd use the second one. I have yet to come across a question that wants you to use the first definition of reconstruction.
This is what I think, and I hope it helps