Moderators of recall :flashbulb and event memory of the 9/11 event.

Abstract

Flashbulb memory (FBM) has been embraced and refuted by researchers. The lack of firm methodological standards has left flashbulb memory questions unanswered. Methodology important for evaluating whether flashbulb memories are special is discussed. Recommendations are made for required canonical categories and the use of control memories in order to measure the fallibility/superiority of FBM. Flashbulb memory and event memory for the 9/11 terrorist attacks was assessed for 360 participants after a 17 month delay by questionnaire. Participants were from the four major regions of the United States (Arkansas, South; Kansas, Midwest; New York City, East; and California, West), Britain, and The Netherlands and were grouped by age on 9/11 (e.g., those 23 years of age and below and those 25-64 years of age). Groups' recall was compared by age and location. Location, age, and media effects were found. Older participants and participants from affected areas performed better on recall and elaboration tasks. Among all groups, event memory was high after a long delay without repeated elicitation. FBM had better retention than event memory over time across samples.