What is the term for the phenomenon where unusual events are more likely to be remembered?

The phenomenon where unusual or distinctive events are more likely to be remembered is referred to as the bizarreness effect. This concept suggests that when information is peculiar or stands out from typical experiences, it captures our attention and is encoded more effectively into memory. The distinctiveness of bizarre items or events creates a stronger retrieval cue, making it easier for individuals to recall them later.

In the context of memory research, studies have shown that people tend to remember information that is bizarre or unusual better than ordinary information, reinforcing the idea that uniqueness in stimuli enhances memorability. This is particularly relevant when considering how memory works in terms of encoding and retrieval processes; the more distinct an event, the more likely it will be registered and retrieved from memory.

The other terms, while they relate to memory and attention, do not specifically capture the essence of why bizarre or unusual events are remembered better. The novelty effect, for instance, relates to preference for new stimuli, while the prominence and distinctiveness effects pertain to other aspects of memory but do not hone in on the specific implications of bizarre information.