Question

When you were in high school, you had a very embarrassing experience of discovering a hole in the backside of your jeans one afternoon. Several of your classmates noticed your underwear peeking through the hole until someone told you and you could cover up. Years later you still remember the story, and share it with a laugh with some of your newer friends. This is an example of a(n) _____ memory.

Answer 1

The embarrassing experience of discovering a hole in the jeans is a flashbulb memory, which is a clear recollection of an important, emotionally significant event.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's experience of discovering a hole in their jeans and remembering it years later with a laugh is an example of a flashbulb memory. A flashbulb memory is an exceptionally clear recollection of an important event that is accompanied by strong emotional associations.

While many examples of flashbulb memories involve national or global events, they can also relate to personal, emotional experiences that are significant to the individual. Even though flashbulb memories are often associated with negative emotions, positive events and embarrassing or amusing personal experiences can also lead to the creation of these vivid, long-lasting memories.