Flashbulb memory

For the form of non-volatile computer memory, see Flash memory.

A flashbulb memory is a vivid, long-lasting memory about a surprising or shocking event.[1][2]

The term flashbulb memory suggests the surprise, indiscriminate illumination, detail, and brevity of a photograph; however, flashbulb memories are only somewhat indiscriminate and are far from complete.[2] Evidence has shown that although people are highly confident in their memories, the details of the memories can be forgotten.[3]

Flashbulb memories are one type of autobiographical memory. Some researchers believe that there is reason to distinguish flashbulb memories from other types of autobiographical memories because they rely on elements of personal importance, consequence, emotion, and surprise.[2][4][5] Others believe that ordinary memories can also be accurate and long-lasting if they are highly distinctive, personally significant,[6][7] or repeatedly rehearsed.[8]

Flashbulb memories have six characteristic features: place, ongoing activity, informant, own affect, other affect, and aftermath.[2] Arguably, the principal determinants of a flashbulb memory are a high level of surprise, a high level of consequentiality, and perhaps emotional arousal.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Davidson P was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c d Brown, Roger; Kulik, James (1977). "Flashbulb memories". Cognition. 5 (1): 73–99. doi:10.1016/0010-0277(77)90018-X. S2CID 53195074.
  3. ^ Robinson-Riegler, Bridget (2012). Cognitive Psychology. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. pp. 297–299. ISBN 978-0-205-03364-5.
  4. ^ Conway, Martin A. (1995). Flashbulb memories (Essays in cognitive psychology). L. Erlbaum Associates. ISBN 978-0863773532.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference PillemerComment1990 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ McCloskey, Michael; Wible, Cynthia G.; Cohen, Neal J. (June 1988). "Is there a special flashbulb-memory mechanism?" (PDF). Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. 117 (2): 171–181. doi:10.1037/0096-3445.117.2.171. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-20.
  7. ^ Weaver, Charles A. (March 1993). "Do you need a "flash" to form a flashbulb memory?". Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. 122: 39–46. doi:10.1037/0096-3445.122.1.39. S2CID 144337190.
  8. ^ Neisser, U. (1982). "Snapshots or benchmarks", Memory Observed: Remembering in Natural Contexts, ed. 43–48, San Francisco: Freeman