Cohen, Gillian, Conway, Martin A. and Maylor, Elizabeth A.. (1994) Flashbulb memories in older adults. Psychology and Aging, Vol.9 (No.3). pp. 454-463. ISSN 0882-7974

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Abstract

In this study of age differences in flashbulb memory, groups of young and older adults gave detailed accounts of how they heard the news of the resignation of the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. They were tested within 14 days after the event and again 11 mo later. They also gave ratings for the encoding variables (surprise, emotion, importance, knowledge, and interest) and for frequency of rehearsal. Memories that met a strict criterion of consistency between the original and delayed responses were classified as flashbulb memories. Although 90% of young Ss had flashbulb memories, only 42% of the elderly met the criterion. The age groups also differed in the type of details remembered and in the relationship between the encoding and rehearsal variables and the occurrence of flashbulb memory. The age-related deficit in flashbulb memory is related to source amnesia and to a deficit in memory for context.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Memory -- Age factors , Human information processing -- Age factors , Recollection (Psychology), Flashbulb memory
Journal or Publication Title:	Psychology and Aging
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
ISSN:	0882-7974
Date:	September 1994
Volume:	Vol.9
Number:	No.3
Page Range:	pp. 454-463
Identification Number:	10.1037/0882-7974.9.3.454
Status:	Peer Reviewed
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/35815

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