Question

Discuss flashbulb memories and the idea that all memories are stored permanently in long-term memory.

Answer 1

• Flashbulb memories are something which are vivid images of some traumatic or catastsophic event one has witnessed.The memories formed are very accurate and etched inside our brains.For example,all those people who witnessed 9/11 attacks,remember each and every detail of what and where the person was.Like someone would tell you,that they were in a specific coffee shop with someone at that time,when they saw the attack etc.One could give you a fairly descriptive timeline of their actions from morning until evening.
• The flashbulb memories are so shocking and surprising in a person's life,that it gets stored in the long term memory permanently,with every detail.But the memory is related with not the event itself but what exactly was happening and what the person was doing during that incident.Its like a photo which has been clicked of that moment and stored in our long term memory forever.
• Our long term memory has unlimited storage capacity,therefore memories stored in it could be permanent.Through elaborative reherasal,i.e.processing the information to the deepest level of meaning and connecting it with something personal,can help create permanent memories.
• If in the short term memory,we dont pay attention and process a specific information through maintenance rehearsal,i.e. repeating it over and over again,that information will be lost and not sent to the long term memory.
• Long term memory includes all are experiences,incidents right from childhood till present times.Our old school memories,childhood memories,family events,graduation ceremonies etc.all the significant episodes of our life our stored for life time since they hold importance to us and our personal to us.Only the information which holds importance to us will be permanently stored in our LTM.
• But sometimes LTM memories can be fragile and susceptible to change,misinformation and interference.Sometimes inaccuracies can happen due to gaps or missing details since the brain sometimes fabricates details.Old memories can interfere the formation of new ones,making it difficult to recall what actually happened.