Flashbulb memory/reliability

Define Flashbulb memory/reliability

 Flashbulb Memory refers to highly detailed and vivid memories of significant or emotionally intense events, often accompanied by a strong sense of clarity and confidence in the recollection. These memories are typically triggered by events that are surprising, shocking, or emotionally arousing, such as a major disaster or personal trauma. People often believe these memories to be especially reliable, but research has shown that flashbulb memories can be inaccurate or subject to distortion over time, despite the high confidence individuals have in them.

Emotion and Memory are closely linked. Emotionally charged experiences are often remembered more vividly and for longer periods than neutral ones. This is because emotional arousal activates the amygdala, which influences the hippocampus (the part of the brain involved in memory formation). While this emotional connection can enhance memory retention, it can also make memories more prone to distortion. High emotional intensity can sometimes lead to an exaggeration or alteration of details, which is why emotionally charged memories may not always be as reliable as they seem.

Reliability is defined as the probability that a product, system, or service will perform its intended function adequately for a specified period of time, or will operate in a defined environment without failure.

Aim

The aim of the study by Brown and Kulik (1977) was to explore the concept of flashbulb memories, which are highly detailed and vivid memories of the moment when a surprising and emotionally intense event occurs. They sought to investigate whether such memories differ from ordinary memories and whether they are resistant to forgetting. The study also aimed to examine the role of personal importance in the formation of flashbulb memories.

Method

Brown and Kulik interviewed 80 participants and presented them with a list of nine events, including highly significant historical events such as the assassination of President Kennedy. The participants were asked whether they could recall the circumstances surrounding when they first heard about the event. For those who answered "yes," they were then asked to write a detailed account of their memory and rate the memory's personal importance on a scale. This method allowed the researchers to explore the vividness of the memories and the level of emotional significance the participants attached to the events.

Findings

The study found that 99% of participants recalled the circumstances surrounding President Kennedy's assassination, even 13 years after the event. However, the study revealed that the rate of flashbulb memories was lower among white participants compared to black participants regarding the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. This difference suggested that personal significance plays a key role in the formation of flashbulb memories. In other words, the emotional intensity and personal relevance of an event influence the creation of such vivid memories.