influence on emotion on one cognitive process ERQ

Cognition definition

Cognition refers to the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through processes like thinking, perception, and memory.

What is FBM theory and who proposed it

Proposed by Brown & Kulik, FBM theory suggests that emotionally significant events lead to vivid, long-lasting memories.

What triggers the formation of a flashbulb memory?

Surprising or highly emotional events increase the likelihood of forming an FBM.

What brain structure is most associated with emotional processing in FBMs?

The amygdala is primarily responsible for processing emotion and is activated during FBM formation.

What was the aim of Sharot et al.'s study?

To examine how emotion influences the formation of FBMs.

Who were the participants in Sharot et al.'s study?

24 individuals who were in New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

What was the procedure of Sharot et al.'s study?

Participants underwent fMRI scans while recalling 9/11 or summer events, prompted by words on a screen; they later rated vividness, detail, and confidence.

What were the main results of the Sharot et al. study?

• Greater amygdala activation in those closer to the 9/11 attacks.

• Higher vividness, detail, and confidence in those who formed FBMs.

• No increased amygdala activity in distant participants or for summer memories.

What are two strengths of Sharot et al.'s study?

• High internal validity (standardized procedures).

• High ecological validity (real-life event).

What are two limitations of Sharot et al.'s study?

• Low replicability due to the uniqueness of 9/11.

• Limited generalizability (U.S.-based participants only).

What was the aim of the Yuille & Cutshall study?

To investigate the accuracy of eyewitness memory in a real-life, emotionally intense situation.

What was the context of the Yuille & Cutshall study?

A real robbery where both the shopkeeper and the thief were killed.

What misleading questions were used in the study?

• “Were there broken headlights in the getaway car?”

• “Did you see yellow panels?”

What were the results of the Yuille & Cutshall study?

Participants showed highly accurate recall, unaffected by misleading questions—suggesting that emotional significance strengthened memory.

What was the aim of Neisser & Harsch's study? (limitation)

To test whether FBMs are truly resistant to forgetting and distortion over time.

Who were the participants in Neisser & Harsch's study?

Psychology students.

What was the procedure of Neisser & Harsch's study?

Participants completed a questionnaire 24 hours after the Challenger disaster and again 2.5 years later, rating their confidence each time.

What were the results of Neisser & Harsch's study?

Participants showed high confidence but low accuracy in recall after 2.5 years, indicating FBMs can be reconstructed or forgotten.

What limitation of FBM theory does this study highlight?

That flashbulb memories, while vivid, are not immune to distortion or forgetting over time.

How is FBM theory relevant to court cases and eyewitness testimony?

Because FBMs are vivid and resistant to misinformation, they can serve as reliable sources of evidence in legal settings.