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How does memory work in the brain? How does memory work in the brain?
Our brain cements memories in by encoding Our brain cements memories in by encoding
Memories are stored in multiple levels Memories are stored in multiple levels
One of the most complicated memory processes is retrieval One of the most complicated memory processes is retrieval
Emotions and memory have an intricate connection Emotions and memory have an intricate connection
Memory is strongly effected by our senses Memory is strongly effected by our senses
We remember through Processing We remember through Processing
We remember through Visual Encoding We remember through Visual Encoding
We remember through Acoustic Encoding We remember through Acoustic Encoding
We remember through Semantic encoding We remember through Semantic encoding
We store memory in our sensory memory We store memory in our sensory memory
We store memory in our working memory We store memory in our working memory
We store memory in our long term memory We store memory in our long term memory
The memory process of Retrieval The memory process of Retrieval
Forgetting as a memory process Forgetting as a memory process
Improving memory Improving memory
Flashbulb memories Flashbulb memories
Smell and memory Smell and memory
Debate Mini Map

How does memory work in the brain?
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Emotions and memory have an intricate connection

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Flashbulb memories

Flashbulb memories are an example of an emotional experience effecting memory systems.
William Hirst
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The Argument

A flashbulb memory is an extremely detailed, specific memory associated with an emotional (often traumatic or widespread) event. These memories often have the characteristic of mundane information being remembered with extreme detail and accuracy. They are generally associated with an event that was surprising and emotional, or traumatic. A common example is that many people recall their exact situation when receiving news of the 9/11 terrorist attack in the U.S.[1] Flashbulb memories are distinguished from other memories due to a reversal of the heavily encoded aspects. In most memories, the more important, emotional, or relevant information is more deeply encoded. In a flashbulb memory, although it is usually surrounding an emotional event, it is the random, insignificant details that are encoded extremely accurately.

Counter arguments

Flashbulb memories are just emotional memories, nothing special. Lots of memories are emotional, and flashbulb memories are just extra emotional ones or coincidences. There's nothing particularly unique about a flashbulb memory that justifies giving it its own classification.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] Some memories include extreme accuracy regarding minute details. [P2] In most instances this happens surrounding an emotional event. [P3] This special type of emotional encoding is known as a flashbulb memory.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/flashbulb-memory
This page was last edited on Saturday, 15 Aug 2020 at 01:06 UTC