Anwen investigated reconstructive memory by having 40 UK university students read a detailed account of an unfamiliar, traditional matrimonial ritual from a remote Pacific island. After a 3-week delay, the participants were asked to write down everything they could remember about the ritual. Anwen observed that the participants' recalled versions contained many inaccuracies and distortions.
Using your knowledge of reconstructive memory and schema theory, explain why the participants in Anwen's study may have recalled the matrimonial ritual inaccurately.
Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Content with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 1,059 questions covering Biological explanations of crime, Social explanations of crime, Cognitive and ethical interview techniques, Psychological formulation of offending, Cognitive-behavioural treatment for offenders, Biological treatment for offenders, Factors influencing eye-witness testimony, Factors influencing jury decision-making, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
