PSYC 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7.3: Fetus, Recovered-Memory Therapy, Guided Imagery
Document Summary
As it turns out, much of the way we store memories depends on our tendency to remember the gist of things. The gist of a story gives us the big picture , or a general structure for the memory; details can be added around that structure. Research indicates that we remember events using constructive memory, a process by which we first recall a generalized schema and then add in specific details. To this end, schemas can affect our memory in two ways: organization; when we encounter a new situation, some objects and events will undoubtedly fit our schemas (ie. our expectations) better than others. When the new information makes sense, it can be easier to recall, but it may be difficult to recognize or report exact details: distinctiveness; when we encounter new information, some of it will not fit our schemas. If it stands out as weird or unusual, it will be easier to recall.
