Discuss the roles of emotional factors in memory

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Discuss Roles of Emotional Factors in Memory

Psychologists think that emotion affects some factors in memory. There are many types of memory that we could look at to prove that emotion affects memory. Flashbulb memories are the first that we could look at.

                A flashbulb memory is a memory which is improved by emotional factors. These are often quite vivid in your memory, and incredibly detailed in comparison to your other memories. These are also long-lasting, and they can be recalled easily because the event is highly significant and they occur in times of worldwide shock, for instance, the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers and the World Trade Centre. Brown and Kulik said in 1977 that the event must be special and surprising for it to become a flashbulb memory, and that that is the reason why they become imprinted in the memory. They also say that it is common for people with flashbulb memories to remember where they were, who they were with, what they were doing, even what they were wearing at the time. Also how they felt about it and what happened after the event. However Neisser said in 1982 that the nature of the flashbulb memories comes from frequent rehearsal and reworking after the event. He also believes that when people recall the memory they tell it in a story-like way which makes it easier for the listener to remember and for the person who has experienced the memory. Neisser also thought that flashbulb memories were just as inaccurate as normal memories.

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            A supporting study made by Conway et al in 1994 which supports Brown and Kuliks belief found that 86% of British students appeared to have flashbulb memories of the time that Margaret Thatcher resigned in comparison to a 29% of non-British students who had flashbulb memories. This shows that you are more likely to have a flashbulb memory if the event will affect you personally. However this could be argued with the fact that this memory was enhanced by constant reminders by the press and the news of the event thus building it up ...

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