Recollections of unexpected and emotional events (called 'flashbulb' memories) have long been the subject of theoretical speculation. Previous meetings have brought together everyone who has done research on memories of the Challenger explosion, in order to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon of flashbulb memories. How do flashbulb memories compare with other kinds of recollections? Are they unusually accurate, or especially long-lived? Do they reflect the activity of a special mechanism, as has been suggested? Although Affect and Accuracy in Recall focuses on flashbulb memories, it addresses more general issues of affect and accuracy. Do emotion and arousal strengthen memory? If so, under what conditions? By what physiological mechanisms? This 1993 volume is evidence of progress made in memory research since Brown and Kulick's 1977 paper.

This book is the first to introduce the study of cognition in terms of the major conceptual themes that underlie virtually all the substantive topics.

The current study examined the accuracy/consistency of recollections of pre-therapy distress, problems, and episodic details, with an emphasis on understanding the degree to which memories of past emotions, distress, and behaviors are accurate/consistent, and the sources and direction of bias when they are inaccurate. Study participants (N = 20) recalled some types of psychological distress better than others and tended to overestimate their previous psychological distress. Increased current psychological distress was strongly correlated with decreased accuracy recalling interpersonal relationships. Regarding recall of previous problems, study participants endorsed a wide range of life problems and the number of problems endorsed was strongly correlated with the level of current psychological distress. Accuracy of recalling previous problems was strongly correlated with accuracy recalling pervious psychological distress. Memory accuracy for episodic details varied considerably and there was a strong relationship between increased time and reduced accuracy. Despite a small sample, the current study has potentially wide-reaching implications for medical and mental health professionals, as well as researchers who may all rely upon recall of symptom and behavioral information for diagnosis, clinical outcome evaluation, clinical research, and criminal responsibility evaluations. This study replicates previous findings related to recall of previous psychological distress, establishes future research priorities, and provides suggestions for future symptom recall research design.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."