Cognitive Approach: Emotion & Memory

Question 1

What is flashbulb memory?

Answer 1

• a vivid memory of the circumstances in which one learns of a very surprising/consequential emotional event
• NOT the event itself but the memory of its reception context
• based on the idea that a neurological framework in the amygdala is activated to enhance memory formation

Question 2

What is the amygdala?

Answer 2

• the integrative center for emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation

Question 3

Brown and Kulik (1977) can be used for…

Answer 3

• how emotion may affect memory and research methods

Question 4

Brown and Kulik (1977) - aim

Answer 4

• to investigate whether surprising and personally significant events can cause flashbulb memories

Question 5

Brown and Kulik (1977) - procedure

Answer 5

• researchers asked 40 black and 40 white American male participants to fill out a questionnaire regarding the death of public figures - such as President John F Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr - as well as of someone they personally knew
• 9 of the 10 events were mostly assassinations of famous Americans
• the 10th event was a self-selected event of personal significance

Question 6

Brown and Kulik (1977) - findings

Answer 6

• most participants recalled a significant amount of detail about the day when these events occurred
• most participants had very detailed memories of the death of a loved one
• more black participants had flashbulb memories of the murder of Martin Luther King, compared to white participants

Question 7

Brown and Kulik (1977) - conclusion

Answer 7

• the link between personal importance and the event is important in the creation of a flashbulb memory