Flashbulb Memory Theory

Key Concepts

• Flashbulb Memories: Vivid, long-lasting memories of surprising and emotionally arousing events (Brown & Kulik, 1977).
  • Described as the mind taking a "picture" of circumstances when news was learned.
  • These memories are more memorable due to frequent recall/rehearsal.
• Special-Mechanism Hypothesis (1977):
  • Suggests a special biological mechanism for memory.
  • Triggered by events with high surprise levels, creating permanent records of details and circumstances.
  • Emotions make these memories resistant to forgetting.
  • Hormones released during high emotion enhance memory vividness.
  • Adaptive behavior promotes survival by avoiding re-experiencing unpleasant situations.

Study 1: Sharot et al

• Aim: Investigate the link between emotional arousal and memory permanence.
• Procedure:
  • Participants close to 9/11 attacks were placed in an fMRI scanner.
  • Word cues used to evoke 9/11 memories; personal summer events served as baseline.
  • fMRI data analyzed for neural activity patterns.
• Findings:
  • Selective activation of the amygdala in participants near the attacks.
  • Flashbulb memories associated with amygdala activation.
  • Close personal experiences trigger flashbulb memories.
• Conclusions:
  • Emotion plays a key role in flashbulb memory formation.
  • Unique neural basis with selective amygdala activation.
  • Personal proximity to events is crucial.
• Evaluation:
  • Sample bias due to American participants.
  • Emotional stress may affect participants' mental health.
  • Study supports special mechanism theory with biological evidence.

Study 2: Conway (1994)

• Aim: Determine if flashbulb memories differ from normal memories, focusing on emotions during events.
• Sample: Participants from the UK and elsewhere.
• Procedure:
  • Data collected 2 weeks and 8 months after Thatcher's resignation.
  • Flashbulb Memory questionnaire used.
• Findings:
  • UK participants showed high flashbulb memory retention (85.6% after 11 months).
  • Non-UK participants had lower flashbulb memory rates (29%).
• Conclusion:
  • Flashbulb memories exist and differ from normal memories.
  • Personal significance is key for these memories.
• Evaluation:
  • Ethical concerns about recalling significant events.
  • Self-reported data may involve social desirability bias.
  • Difficulty in collecting unbiased data.

Overall Conclusions

• Flashbulb memories have distinct characteristics and are more vivid than ordinary memories.
• Emotional arousal and personal significance play critical roles in their formation.
• Neural evidence shows involvement of the amygdala.

Study Techniques

• Explore emotional arousal levels and their neural bases (Study 1: Sharot et al).
• Examine emotional relevance and personal significance (Study 2: Conway).

Additional Considerations (TEACUP)

• Theories, evaluations, applications, and potential biases must be considered when studying flashbulb memories.

Conclusion

• Flashbulb memories provide insight into how emotions and personal significance affect memory formation and retention.
• Studies highlight the biological and psychological factors involved in these vivid memories.