Question

A friend tells you, "I know exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard that Michael Jackson died." What is this type of memory phenomenon called?

Short answer

The memory phenomenon is called a Flashbulb Memory.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Phenomenon

When a person remembers distinctly where they were or what they were doing when they heard about a significant event, this is an indication of a certain type of memory phenomenon. This phenomenon is often triggered by emotionally charged events, such as the death of a famous figure.

Naming the Phenomenon

Following the above understanding, it becomes clear that the type of memory phenomenon being exemplified here is commonly referred to as a 'flashbulb memory.'