Thursday, May 31, 2012

What is meta and constructive memory


Definition and general facts about meta memory

Meta memory is knowledge of your own memory system. It determines which strategy we are going to use in order to remember new information. Scientists tell us that differences between children and grown up or those who normally develop and those who are behindhand in terms of memory activities is due to usage of different strategies and not due to lack of skills. If we undertake to teach those who are behindhand, most of these differences can be reversed.

What is constructive memory?

Constructive memory is a constructive and creative recall of reminiscences. Reminiscences are constructed by filling in gaps of information that appear while trying to memorize or remember. We often hear people say:”I have answered in the same manner you asked”. This is direct influence of general and simple conclusions for remembering process. Formation of a question simplifies memorization of certain materials.
Influence of stereotypes on remembering

Stereotypes affect reminiscences in the same fashion. Likewise, entire schemes (mental representations of humans, objects, types of situations) have some influence for memorizing. One should remember that memorization is not an exact reflection of reality, but only interpretation and explanation of it.