Flashbulb Memories - Flashbulb memories. What is a flashbulb memory? A flashbulb memory is a particularly vivid recall or snapshot of one's surroundings produced by exposure to a dramatic event. The term flashbulb memory suggests the element of surprise, arbitrary illumination, detail, and brevity of a photograph. But flashbulb memories are only somewhat arbitrary and rather incomplete. Just like an ordinary memory, flashbulb memories can be forgotten in time. Common flashbulb memories. During extremely emotional and arousing times, vivid flashbulb memories are formed. Oftentimes, individuals can remember the photograph-like event in vivid detail and remember things such as what they were doing in that exact moment, who they were with, what clothes they were wearing, or whether or not they forgot their lunch that morning at home. Common flashbulb memories are the assassination of John F Kennedy, the assassination of John Lennon, the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, and most recently, the attack on the World Trade Centers on September 11th, 2001. Although all of these events are associated with negative emotions, flashbulb memories can also be formed with positive emotions. What is the difference between a flashbulb memory and a regular memory? The difference is generally the level of confidence you have in the recall the memory. In the case of flashbulb memories, overconfidence is usually the case, which can lead to discrepancies in the accuracy of the memory itself. It has been found that in some cases, flashbulb memories can be more accurate than everyday memories. The importance of the event, the consequences involved, how distinct it is, personal involvement in the event, and proximity increases the accuracy of the flashbulb memory. Although, in a study done on the OJ Simpson trial, participants were asked to recall the verdict of the trial at different points in time. The accuracy of their memory declined after 15 months and continued to decline after 32 months, even though their confidence in the memory remained nearly the same. There are three things to remember about flashbulb memories. One-- flashbulb memories are formed in negative or positive emotionally arousing times. Two-- flashbulb memories deteriorate over time just like everyday memories. And three-- flashbulb memories are not the most accurate of memories but are experienced with great intensity and confidence.