1. One theory: Flashbulb Memory One Cognitive Process: Memory
3.8 Evaluate one theory of how emotion may affect one cognitive process.
One theory: Flashbulb Memory
One Cognitive Process: Memory

2. Do you remember where you were when you heard Michael Jackson had died?

4. Flashbulb Memory (FBM)
Brown and Kulik, 1977
Memories of the circumstances in which one first learned of a very surprising and emotionally arousing event
NOT the memory of the event
Based on reception context (circumstances)
Sitting on your couch watching TV

5. Formation and Maintenance of FBMs
Form in situation where we encounter surprising or highly emotional information
Maintained based on rehearsal
Overt: talking about it
Covert: private thoughts
Different than other memories
More vivid
Last longer
More consistent and accurate
Specialized neural mechanism
Permanent storage in a unique way

6. What event is this drawing depicting?

7. Research Notes Page 92-93 Keep track of… Researcher (s) Date Method
Implications (how does it support/dispute the FBM Theory

8. Strengths of FBM theory
Explains why emotional memories are more vivid over time
Cannot explain why they are not more accurate than any other memory
Except central details
Many research studies
Theory has been modified
Emotional events are better remembered than non emotional events (supported)
Events should have specific personal relevance

9. Limitations of the FBM theory
The term “flashbulb” is not appropriate
Photo  Everything in the scene is preserved
Not true for memories
FBM are reconstructed memories
Emotional state may influence accuracy
If it is discussed (confabulation)
Memory does not have personal interested

10. Current Status of Brown and Kulik’s theory?
Brown and Kulik overestimated the durability and consistency of FBM
Long lasting but not permanent
May not be longer lasting than important everyday memories
More vivid than most ordinary memories
Recalled with a greater level of confidence
Today’s research
Doesn’t support that it is a “different memory system”

11. What causes FBM? High importance/consequence Strong emotional feelings
SURPRISE! Shows mixed results
Not supported by relevant research
FBM is seen in expected events
Landing on the moon

12. In Conclusion…
Evidence doesn’t support that emotion greatly impacts the initial encoding of the event
Emotion effects memory at a later stage
Rehearsal
Social sharing
What memory model would you use to connect the statements above with FBM?