Question

The experiment in which participants first read sentences about John fixing a birdhouse and were then asked to identify sentences they had seen before illustrated that memory

a) Is always accurate
b) Is influenced by prior knowledge
c) Is not affected by context
d) Is static and unchanging

Answer 1

The experiment illustrates that memory is influenced by prior knowledge, which can shape and distort recollections, supporting the concept of memory construction and reconstruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The memory experiment mentioned where participants read about John fixing a birdhouse and then had to identify which sentences they saw before suggests that memory is influenced by prior knowledge. This is because as we construct new memories and recall old ones, our existing knowledge and beliefs can shape and often distort the recollections. Moreover, due to memory construction and reconstruction, every time we retrieve a memory, we may unwittingly alter it. Suggestions, bias, and even the wording of questions can lead to memory distortion, as shown in studies by Loftus and Palmer regarding leading questions and the subsequent formation of false memories. The study of memory encoding also shows that memories are better retained when they are meaningful and contextually encoded.