Question

Why is memory considered an active reconstructive process

Answer 1

Memory is never a literal recount of past experiences. Rather, it is dependent on the constructive processes present at the time of encoding that are subject to potential errors and distortions. Essentially, the constructive memory process functions by encoding the patterns of physical characteristics that are perceived by the individual, as well as the interpretive conceptual and semantic functions that act in response to the incoming information.[1] By utilizing multiple interdependent cognitive processes there is never a single location in the brain where a given complete memory trace of an experience is stored.[2] In this manner, the various features of the experience must be joined together to form a coherent representation of the episode and if this binding process fails it can result in source memory failure, where later attempted retrieval of the episode results in fragmented recollection and an inability to consolidate the information into a cohesive narrative of a past experience

Answer 2

In cognitive biology, memory is considered to be an active reconstructive process because it is influenced by many other cognitive processes such as imagination, perception and semantic memory.

It is associated with episodic encoding of several incidents as well as retrieval that helps in the reconstructive process.

There are different interdependent cognitive processes which are stored in different locations of the brain.