ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the methods used in Flashbulb memories (FBMs) research and introduces new ways to explore FBMs. Memorability is perhaps the hallmark of FBMs and is said to distinguish FBMs from other memories. The chapter describes three popular ways of conceptualizing memorability: Tulving's remember/know memory distinction, clarity ratings, and latent variable analysis. Most FBM studies compare naturally occurring groups, which may differ in many ways other than just what they thought about the event. Much sociology and social psychology aims to document which groups of people are most affected by particular events. FBM research is usually correlational/quasi-experimental. Some of the best single-case studies relevant to FBMs are by anthropologists studying memories for some of the bizarre and often horrific rituals in other cultures. Single-case studies are ubiquitous in the FBM literature, they lack the experimental control needed to make causal statements.
