reconstructive memory

Reconstructive memory is the process by which our brains rebuild past events, often filling in gaps with related information or assumptions. Instead of perfectly recording every detail, memory is influenced by current knowledge, beliefs, and expectations, which can lead to alterations or distortions over time. This means that our memories are not exact reproductions but are reconstructed each time we recall them, making them susceptible to change and sometimes inaccuracies. Essentially, reconstructive memory helps us make sense of past experiences, but it can also cause us to remember things differently than they actually happened.