Flash Back to memory
Flashbulb Memory by: Bailey Bennett
The Cream of the crop
I chose flashbulb memory becasue it seemed like a very appealing topic and i wanted to learn more about what it was and how it works. My research will help me understand by going into depth and explaining how it works, also how the brain functions while performing this. This subject will help others because it occurs every day and will help explain some of the questions people have.
Flashbulb memory for dummies
Flashbulb memories are very vivid memories that are stored in your Brain in sort of a safe. They are able to last your entire lifetime and come up or are activated from time to time based on historical or other important life events. Usually these events are dramatic and involve a lot of emotion.
The Brain game
During a Flashbulb memory, the brain is recalling an emotional experience based on what you're going through at the present or what you're seeing. When a Flashbulb memory occurs are they require the use of the amygdala, a brain structure involved in emotional memory, in addition other brain systems which regulate mood and alertness.
Whats leftover
MTL/D and FL structures are parts of the brain, that if damaged can impair long term memory. Although during flashbulb memories these structures are inactive until the short process is completed.
Theories
The theory of flashbulb memory was suggested by Brown and Kulik in 1977. This theory says that some memories are remembered vividly even after time had passed. This is due to the events include highly emotional responses at the time. The emotional events are captured in the brain as if by the flash of an actual camera.
Off to the books!
Psychologist Jennifer Talarico, PhD used the the Brown's and Kulik's theory to study the affect on people that saw the 9/11 event firsthand and what they remember about the event. First off, Jennifer, she remembers making breakfast at the time of the event and heard on TV that a plane had hit the world trade towers. Next She asked people recollection of the even they week of and then months later. She found that most of the people's memories were lost but they would remember odd little things such as what they were eating. This go to show flashbulb memory's power and what it really does, surpassing most of your other memories.
Other Cool Facts
97% of people can remember what they were doing when an important event happened without knowing it.
The memories swain at 3 months and level out at about 12 moths.
They can last a lifetime.
They act as Benchmarks for our life.
They can be so real that it is like you just went through the event, even years later.
Flashbulb Memories