What refers to the process of recalling old memories and filling in missing pieces of information?

The concept of constructive memory is pivotal in understanding how memories are not just retrieved but are also actively reconstructed. When recalling past experiences, individuals often draw upon fragments of their memories and then fill in gaps with inferences, beliefs, and contextual cues. This process is influenced by various factors, including current knowledge, expectations, and social pressures, leading to the possibility that some aspects of a memory may be altered or inaccurately represented.

Constructive memory highlights that memory is not a flawless, exact replication of an event but rather a dynamic, reconstructive process. This explains why people may confidently remember events differently than they occurred, as their recollection is shaped by the synthesis of existing memories and new information. The emphasis on the construction of memories underlines the complexity of how we recall past experiences, making it a key concept in cognitive psychology.

In contrast, memory retrieval refers specifically to the act of accessing stored memories without necessarily implying that they are recreated with modifications. Memory externalization would suggest transferring memory to an external medium, which does not encapsulate the recall and reconstruction process. Memory reinforcement pertains to the strengthening of memories over time but does not directly relate to the act of recalling and filling in gaps in existing memories. Hence, constructive memory is the most accurate term