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Reconstructive processing of memory content for high versus low test scores and grades
Author(s) -
Bahrick Harry P.,
Hall Lynda K.,
Dunlosky John
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
applied cognitive psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.719
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1099-0720
pISSN - 0888-4080
DOI - 10.1002/acp.2350070102
Subject(s) - psychology , content (measure theory) , test (biology) , cognitive psychology , audiology , developmental psychology , medicine , mathematical analysis , paleontology , biology , mathematics
Self‐reported SAT and ACT scores and grades in college‐level mathematics and related courses were verified for 494 individuals. Correct responses decline for 2 years and then stabilize. The percentage of correct responses is approximately twice as high for individuals whose grades are in the upper tercile than for those whose grades are in the lowest tercile. Given that an incorrect report is made, the proportion of those overstating grades or test scores is approximately 0.50 for those in the upper tercile of the distribution, and 0.90 and 0.75 for those in the lowest tercile of the grade and test score distribution. The inflated reports of grades and test scores by individuals with low scores are interpreted as reconstructions of memory content based on failure experiences and the affective context of these experiences.