Introduction to Psychology 1/IPSY102/Memory problems/Overview

Many people believe that memory works like a recording device. You just record the information, then you call it up and play it back when you want to answer questions or identify images. But decades of work in psychology has shown that this just isn't true. Our memories are constructive. They're reconstructive. Memory works a little bit more like a Wikipedia page: You can go in there and change it, but so can other people.

How do you think memory works? Like a series of still photographs, or a video recording? Or is it like a play: inspired by real events but with some fiction as well? In this pathway you will learn about how memories are actively constructed and reconstructed. As you make your way through this learning pathway, consider how you can apply your new knowledge to enhance your own memory, from memorizing directions or lists of items you need to purchase at the grocery store, to studying more effectively as you pursue your academic goals.