Memento Reaction Paper (10pts)

Details:

1-2 pages; 12 pt font

1 inch margins all the way around

double spaced & stapled

 

DO BOTH PARTS!

 

Part 1: Leonard says that unlike Sammy Jankis, he has been able to condition himself.  First, tell me what type of conditioning (operant or classical) was attempted on Sammy with the “pick three objects” test and how you know this.  Second, there are times in the movie where Leonard clearly seems to “remember” things, such as knowing to look in his pockets for pictures.  The only way this makes sense (if we accept the premise that he can’t make new memories) is if he has conditioned himself to check his pockets.  Other than the checking of pockets, what are some specific examples of conditioning that Leonard has done to himself to help him deal with his “condition”?

 

Part 2: Memory, as we have discussed, and as this movie clearly demonstrates, is a very fragile entity. Now that the movie is over, try to remember as much of it as you can (imagine you had to describe the movie scene by scene to a friend). What do you find more difficult to remember – the black and white scenes (which go forward in chronological order but are very similar) or the color scenes (which go in reverse chronological order but are much more vivid)?  Be sure to relate your answer to aspects of memory that we have discussed in class.