Memory Development Function and Dysfunction

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Introduction
A Flashbulb memory can be defined as a vivid and detailed memory about a significant autobiographical or historical event that occurs once and is retained over the course of life. On the other hand, event memory can be defined as the recalling of an event’s single occurrence through a mental construction process. The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate Hirst et al’s research claim on both event and flashbulb memories. According to Hirst et al’s research findings, both event and flashbulb memories are affected by individual cognitive processes as well as a community’s memory practices. The evaluation process will entail comparing Hirst’s stated research findings with the relative psychology literature on factors affecting both event and flashbulb memories. The structure of this research paper will contain an introduction followed by the main body then a final conclusion.
Hirst et al’s Research Findings Evaluation
According to Hirst et al, factors involved in event memory formation overlaps those involved in flashbulb memory. As a result of the above, flashbulb memory follows patterns similar to autobiographical memories. With respect to forgetting, Hirst et al. state that the rate of forgetting in both flashbulb and event memories was similar. Within the first three years, an individual tends to forget tends to forget things at a faster rate after which the rate slows down. According to Bahrick and Wittlinger (1975), individual flashbulb and event memories distortions due to forgetting tends to take place at 20% within the first three years. After the first three years, the rate of distortions as a result of forgetting slows down to between 5% and 10% thereafter. Hirst et al. research also further state that emotions associated with events are easily forgotten over the long term in comparison to the either the flashbulb or event memories. According to Levine et al. (2006), emotional reaction memories are quickly forgotten than other aspects of both flashbulb and event memories.
Hirst et al. further states that a community’s memory practices preserve its past both intentionally and unintentionally. These Practices are in the form of media attention, ensuing conversations and social mandates. Hirst et al. provide the example of the 9/11 attack in the US whereby continued media attention during commemorations increases the both the flashbulb and event memory confidence. Other forms of community memory practices come in the form of social mandates for instance when meeting a bereaved friend, colleague or acquaintances. Societal obligations require mandatory recognition of the loss as a result of loss which results in continued conversations thus facilitating flashbulb memories. Gillis (1994), states that commemorations and memorials are examples of societal memory practices. This is because the commemorations lead to mass media coverage and continued discussions resulting in flashbulb and event confidence.
Conclusion
Evaluation of Hirst et al.’s research findings was by comparing their findings with other relative research findings in the psychology discipline. Through an analysis of both Hirst et al. and other relevant literature materials, it is evident that Hirst et al.’s research findings were consistent with relevant literatures in psychology. It is therefore correct to say that event and flashbulb memories are affected by individual cognitive processes as well as a community’s memory practices. Relevant psychological literature states that that cognitive processes such as working memory, comprehension, knowledge and computation affects how we store both flashbulb and event memories. The same literature further states that through a community’s memory practices, flashbulbs and event memories are reinforced which increases the flashbulbs and event memories confidence.  It is therefore evident that Hirst et al.’s research findings are correct since they are related to relevant psychological literature.

Reference List
Bahrick, H. P., Bahrick, P. O., & Wittlinger, R. P. (1975). Fifty years of memory for names and faces: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 104, 54-75.
Gillis, J. R. (1994). Commemorations: The politics of national identity. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Hirst, W., Manier, D. & Echterhoff, G. (2008). Creating shared memories in conversation: Towards a psychology of collective memory. Social Research,
75, 1071–1108.
Levine, L. J., Safer, M. A., & Lench, H. C. (2006). Remembering and misremembering emotions. In L. J. Sanna & E. C. Chang (Eds.), Judgments of time: The interplay of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (pp.271–290). New York: Oxford University Press.
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