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Flashbulb memories are highly detailed, exceptionally vivid 'snapshots' of the moment and circumstances in which surprising and consequential (or emotionally arousing) news was heard.[1] Flashbulb memory is an appropriate name for the phenomenon in that it suggests surprise, an indiscriminate illumination, and brevity. The name is inappropriate, however, in that an actual photograph, taken by flashbulb, is indiscriminate and preserves everything within its scope. Flashbulb memories, in actuality, are only somewhat indiscriminate and are far from complete.[1]Flashbulb memories are believed to be highly resistant to forgetting because of their vivid nature. However, evidence has shown that although people are highly confident in their memories, the details of the memories can be victim to forgetting[2] .
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Flashbulb memories are one type of autobiographical memory. Despite the growing number of flashbulb memory studies, the issue of whether flashbulb memories are inherently more accurate than other types of autobiographical memories is debatable.[3] Some researchers believe that there is reason to distinguish flashbulb memories from other types of autobiographical memory, as long as there are elements of personal importance, consequentiality, emotion, and surprise.[1][4][5] Others believe that ordinary memories can also be accurate and long lasting if they are highly distinctive, personally significant,[6][7] or repeatedly rehearsed.[8]
Flashbulb memories have six characteristic features: place, ongoing activity, informant, own affect, other affect, and aftermath.[1] Arguably, the principal determinants of a flashbulb memory are a high level of surprise, a high level of consequentiality, and perhaps emotional arousal.