01+-+Question

Define memory, and explain how flashbulb memories differ from other memories Name: Angela Tan Date: January 16, 2015

Memory is the ability to store, retrieve, and recall information that once happened or was once learned. Memory is an essential ability for daily life activities. For example, we are able to recognize and understand ourselves because of our memory of what we have done in the past and how the past has shaped us into who we are today. Our memory also enables us to learn, for example, new languages, how to write and type, how to walk and run (or any movement of the body), etc. It is also because of our memory that we are able to recognize our friend's faces, voices, hair style, personality, and etc. Without memory, the world around us would be a complete unrecognizable and unfamiliar place to us.

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Flashbulb memories, on the other hand, is a memory of a significant event in which we are able to remember very clearly and with precise detail for a lifetime. The reason that caused us to remember this memory is such detail is because the event that occurred was probably very emotional, so emotional that we tied our personal feelings with the event. For example, meany Americans were able to remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they received the news about the 9/11 tragedy as the tragedy had a very great emotional impact on them. Just like other memories, though, flashbulb memories may be inaccurate; however, they are not easily forgotten, unlike other common memories.

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Citation: "Flashbulb Memory." //UIC.edu//. Web. 19 Jan. 2015. <[]> Law, Bridget Murray. "Search in our memories." //American Psychological Association.// Sept. 2011. Web. 19 Jan. 2015//.// //<[]>//

Comment: Great answer Angela! It is detailed yet easy to understand. To make it even better, you could have explained flashbulb memories even further. Flashbulb memories are not only different from other memories because they are memories of specific events but also because they it arouses strong emotions during the time it is registered into memory. Also, flashbulb memories are not as accurate as other memories and stay remembered due to its repetitive mentions of the memory. Flashbulb memory usually include historical people or event like Einstein or Martin Luther King Jr. We hear this often and so it makes it easier to remember and also it stirs up a lot of emotions.

citation "Flashbulb Memory." //Flashbulb Memory //. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2015.