Flashbulb Memories

Flashbulb memories are memories about a specific event that are so vivid it creates a “snapshot” of the event. Examples of well-known flashbulb memory events include the 9/11 attacks, Challenger disaster, and the MLK or JFK assassinations.

Research the phenomenon of flashbulb memories. Discuss the major theorists, main characteristics of flashbulb memories and the major criticisms of these types of memories. Now, identify a personal example of a flashbulb memory and describe in detail what you were doing when you heard the news of this event (what was the time? who were you with? what was the first thing you thought of when you heard the news?).

Thinking back to when your flashbulb memory event occurred. How confident are you about the accuracy of your responses about this event? Is the experience of your flashbulb memory event consistent with the characteristics and/or criticisms of flashbulb memories?