Sharot et al

Question 1

Aim:

Answer 1

To determine the potential biological factors in flashbulb memories

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

24 individuals present in new york during 9/11

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

• Participants were hooked up to fMRI scanners whilst shown word cues for memories
• the word “summer” was used as a baseline for brain activity recalling memories, whilst “September” was used to recall the events of 9/11
• After the scanning, participants were asked to rate their memories of the events in terms of detail, confidence, and arousal
• Participants were also asked to give a description of each memory

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• Only half the participants had developed flash bulb memories of the events during 9/11, however those who had flash bulb memories reported being closer to the towers during the event
• Participants who didnt have flashbulb memories of the event reported being further away from the towers, and showed similar level of amygdala activation when recalling both their summer and 9/11 memories.
• The results provide evidence that closely personal events are somewhat important to the activation of neural mechanisms that produce vivid memories such as flashbulb memories.