Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: ABSTRACT \nMASS MEDIA EFFECTS ON FLASHBULB MEMORIES: \nVIVID MEMORIES OF SEPTEMBER 11TH \nby \nStephanie Elise Bor \nMaster of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies \nMass Communication \nCalifornia State University, Chico \nSpring 2010 \nThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of television images and \ncommentary on vivid memory recall for the September 11th terrorist attacks that occurred \nin 2001. This research used the theory of flashbulb memories to explain why people possess \nvivid and long lasting memories pertaining to the exact moment they learned about a \nsurprising and/or consequential event. The theory was first used to explain the clarity in \nwhich people could recall the moment they learned about the death of President John F. \nKennedy in 1963. Individuals claimed to remember precise details including their exact \nlocation, ongoing activity, the person or medium that informed them, their personal reaction, \nand other specifics pertaining to the moment they learned of the assassination. The \npresent research discovered that the flashbulb memory theory could also be used to explain \nvivid memories associated with the September 11th terrorist attacks. \nvii \nWhen examining this disaster it was also evident that the formation of memories \nwere heavily influenced by exposure to content featured on television. In reference to initial \ncontent viewed, images and commentary appeared to improve respondents??? understanding \nof the attacks and cause them to become more emotionally distressed. Exposure \nto television content also increased realism and assisted viewers in comprehending the \nmagnitude of the crisis. Viewing subsequent news coverage since 2001 has also assisted \nto reinforce, modify, or maintain vivid memories of September 11th. According to the results, \nexposure to television news has continued to increase distress for viewers by causing \nthem to become more angry, fearful, sad, and suspicious. Television has also increased \ncontempt with the American government over time.
Author: Stephanie Elise Bor
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W652397276