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Inferential Reconstruction in Memory for Connected Discourse. Technical Report No. 2.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Inferential Reconstruction in Memory for Connected Discourse. Technical Report No. 2.
Authors: Spiro, Rand J., Illinois Univ., Urbana. Center for the Study of Reading.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 81
Publication Date: 1975
Sponsoring Agency: National Inst. of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: College Students, Connected Discourse, Context Clues, Learning Processes, Memory, Prose, Reading Processes, Reading Research, Recall (Psychology)
Abstract: A reconstructive approach to memory for connected discourse is contrasted with orientations that emphasize passive reproduction. Conditions under which reconstructive errors in recall should occur are specified. Most conventional experiments do not satisfy the conditions. In an experiment involving 360 college students, subjects were induced not to differentiate information in discourse from prior knowledge, and subsequently presented information contradicted expectations formed earlier. Predicted recall errors from a previously generated set tended to be manifested. This tendency increased with delay prior to recall. Such recall errors were almost totally absent when schematic states at recall did not contradict earlier states and when conventional memory instructions were employed. The results were interpreted as supporting the reconstructive theory presented. A preliminary sketch of a model of inferential reconstruction is also presented. (Author/AA)
Entry Date: 1977
Accession Number: ED136187
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A reconstructive approach to memory for connected discourse is contrasted with orientations that emphasize passive reproduction. Conditions under which reconstructive errors in recall should occur are specified. Most conventional experiments do not satisfy the conditions. In an experiment involving 360 college students, subjects were induced not to differentiate information in discourse from prior knowledge, and subsequently presented information contradicted expectations formed earlier. Predicted recall errors from a previously generated set tended to be manifested. This tendency increased with delay prior to recall. Such recall errors were almost totally absent when schematic states at recall did not contradict earlier states and when conventional memory instructions were employed. The results were interpreted as supporting the reconstructive theory presented. A preliminary sketch of a model of inferential reconstruction is also presented. (Author/AA)