According to the schema theory of memory, people:

The rationale for choosing that option is rooted in the fundamentals of schema theory, which posits that individuals possess cognitive frameworks or structures—schemas—that help them organize and interpret information. These schemas are based on prior knowledge and experiences, which means when people encounter new information, they filter it through their existing schemas. This process can lead to alterations or distortions in how that information is remembered.

When recalling events, individuals may adjust details to fit their schemas, which can result in changes to their memories. For example, if someone has a schema about a restaurant experience, they might remember aspects of a meal or interaction differently than how it actually occurred, as they align their recollection with what they expect or deem relevant based on their previous experiences.

This understanding of memory dynamics helps explain why memories are not always accurate representations of past events, as they are reconstructed rather than retrieved verbatim. Other choices highlight characteristics of memory that do not align with schema theory, such as the idea of storing memories as exact replicas or the implication of rote memorization through repetition.