A theory of how emotions affect the cognitive process of memory is flash memory. This is a theory suggested by Brown and Kulik (1977). Flash memories are vivid and detailed emotional memories that form after a highly emotional event. These memories are stored in the brain as an image, hence their name. Flash memory theory has characteristics that make it unique from other memories. They are more vivid, precise, consistent, last longer and are easier to remember. This is different from normal memories which tend to be selective, unreliable and easy to modify/distort. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssaySome events stand out more than others in memory. When events occur, the person experiences a heightened emotional state, whether it is extreme happiness or extreme sadness. It is this elevated emotional state that makes the event imprint itself in the memory. Events can be either personal or impactful on the world. An example of this would be the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 or the death of Princess Diana in 1997. Flash memory was first demonstrated by Brown and Kulik in a study they conducted in 1977. The purpose of their study was to study flash memories. and determine how it works. There were 80 American participants who were used in the experiment. Half of them were African Americans and the other half were Caucasian Americans. Participants had to answer 10 questions about different events. Of the 10 events, 9 of them were assassinations (or attempts) of well-known American public figures. The last event was a personal event chosen by each participant. It must have even involved a “self-shock”. Participants were then asked to what extent they talked about these events, either openly (by talking with other people) or covertly (by thinking about them privately). The results showed that 90% of participants were able to remember what happened regarding the JF Kennedy affair. assassination in 1963. African Americans remembered the assassinations of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King more than white Americans. For the tenth event, the self-selected one, the majority of participants recalled shocking events such as the death of a parent. This study supported Brown and Kulik's (1977) theories on flash memory. This showed that they formed in situations in which we receive surprising and highly emotional information. Flashbulb memory is maintained by both overt (discussing the memory with others) and covert (private) rehearsals. A specialized neural mechanism is involved in the creation of flash memories. This neural mechanism stores information permanently in a single memory system. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay One of the strengths of flash memory theory is that most studies involve real-life events. (it's naturalistic) and people's reactions and memories about them. This means that the ecological validity of these studies is high. One of the weaknesses of this theory is that these studies are not as reliable because they cannot be replicated. It is therefore impossible to see whether the results are consistent. THE..