Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio) Flashcards
1
Q
Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio)
Aim
A
To explore the neural basis of the flashbulb memories and examine their characteristics.
2
Q
Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio)
Procedure
A
- 24 participants who were in NYC on the day of 9/11, separated into two groups based on distance from the WTC (Downtown vs Midtown)
- While in fMRI scanner, presented with word cues on a screen. “Summer” or “September” was projected along with the word in order to have participant link the word to either summer holidays prior to the attacks or to 9/11
- Participants’ brain activity observed while they recalled even (comparisons were made between groups and between Summer/ September memories)
- After session, participants also asked to write a description of memories and asked to rate memories in areas such as vividness, detail, confidence in accuracy and emotional arousal
3
Q
Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio)
Findings
A
- Activation of left amygdala was greater in the Downtown group when they recalled events from preceding summer
- Midtown group had equal levels of response in the amygdala when recalling both events
- Suggests that close personal experience may be critical in engaging the neural mechanisms that produce the vivid memories characteristic of flashbulb memory (FBM) and the activation of the amygdala is correlated with the recall of a flashbulb memory (FBM)
4
Q
Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio)
Limitations
A
- Low ecological validity of task - Both environment of fMRI and task
- Reliability - Difficult to replicate studying same event
- Demonstrates role of amygdala as a result of proximity event, does not explain why some people have vivid memories after seeing events on TV
5
Q
Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio)
Ethical Considerations
A
- Informed consent
- Confined space during the fMRI
- Emotional distress caused by recalling events of 9/11
6
Q
Sharot Et Al Study (cognitive + bio)
Research Method
A
Quasi-experiment
