Final answer:
Flashbulb memories refer to highly detailed and vivid recollections of significant events with strong emotional associations, supported by arousal theory. They can stem from personal, local, or global events and are often vivid but can be subject to errors over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe emotionally intense events that become vividly imprinted as memories is known as flashbulb memories. These are exceptionally clear recollections of significant events that have strong emotional associations. This phenomenon is backed by arousal theory, which posits that strong emotional experiences trigger the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that strengthen memories, leading to a more robust recollection than that of non-emotional events.
For instance, many people can recall exactly where they were during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a prime example of a flashbulb memory. Not limited to global events, these memories can also arise from personal or local occurrences that have profound emotional impact on individuals or communities. However, it's crucial to note that while flashbulb memories are often vivid, they are not immune to errors or biases that can alter one's recollection over time.