A researcher is testing memory for emotional events. What type of memory is primarily involved in recalling these experiences?

Flashbulb memory refers specifically to the vivid, detailed recollections of significant emotional events, often characterized by their strong emotional impact. These memories are thought to be a type of long-term memory that allows individuals to remember the conditions under which they learned about particularly shocking or consequential events. When recalling these emotionally charged experiences, individuals often report a high level of confidence in their accuracy, despite research suggesting that they can still be prone to distortion over time.

In this context, when the researcher is focusing on memory for emotional events, flashbulb memory is the most relevant type due to its association with the intense emotional arousal that typically accompanies significant life events. This form of memory enables individuals to not only remember the event itself but also other contextual details surrounding the event, such as the setting and the people involved, which makes it distinct from other types of memory.

Other types of memory mentioned, such as long-term memory, while broadly applicable, do not specifically capture the unique characteristics of emotional memories like flashbulb memory does. Short-term memory and procedural memory are less relevant in the context of recalling emotional events, as short-term memory pertains to the temporary storage of information, and procedural memory is focused on knowledge of how to perform tasks rather than recalling specific