The schema approach: A dynamic view on remembering

Abstract

In this chapter, we will propose a new approach to remembering and memory. This is called the 'schema approach' (Ohashi, Mori, Takagi, & Matsushima, 2002). This name-and its underlying idea, of course-come from Frederic Bartlett's schema theory (Bartlett, 1932). Our approach has four features. First, it attempts to explore the veracity of a rememberer's experience under the assumption that it is not possible to access the original event that the rememberer actually experienced. Second, this approach aims to find out the veracity through communication between a speaker and a recipient on the topic of the event to be recollected. Third, we point out that the veracity of an experience should be evaluated on the basis of the particular narrative style of recall, and not based on its contents. Finally, the veracity is examined case by case; that is, the situated remembering of an individual person is considered. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York.