What is a flashbulb memory?

Flashbulb memories are extremely detailed and vivd recollections of a particularly memoriable or extraordinary event. Brown and Kulik suggested that the emotion we feel during these extordinary events activate a different way of encoding which leaves a more permanent and resilient memory trace. These special memories are different to the information we store in our brain everyday, due to being so precise and lasting a lifetime. The memories are extremely detailed, for example a person witnessing a robbery may be able to give police exact information about the criminals appearance, facial features, license plate, accent, clothing, location etc.

AM
Answered by Alice M. Psychology tutor

6312 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the three types of long term memory and describe how they differ form one another.


Explain an example of classical conditioning.


"how should I answer a 16 marker that asks me to "describe and evaluate"


A psychologist decided to interview both Zina and Amanda five months later to see if they could still remember the same level of detail about the incident. Explain one ethical issue the psychologist must consider before interviewing Zina and Amanda.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences