The aim is simple: you have to memorise two images. On each one there are blue and red dots on a grey background. You have to look carefully at one image, then at the other. Then, you have to combine the two and remember only the position of the red dots. If your brain manages to assemble the red dots of the two images in the right place, you should be able to see a clearly defined shape: the letter G.
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According to the website Playbuzz which created this photographic memory test, only 1% of the population can successfully do it. Normally, the youngest should be able to see the red letter G most easily. Between 2 and 10% of children under 6 can successfully complete the test, as this is the age at which short-term visual memory is most powerful. After 6 years, this ability decreases visibly, which explains why it’s so rare for an adult to complete the test.
Short term visual memory, which is the type of visual memory being tested here, is only available for a short period of time, usually around 30 seconds. Although visual short term memory is necessary for a wide number of perceptual and cognitive functions, the storage capacity is quite limited. The capacity is determined by the fixed number of objects, and the object complexity.
Long term visual memory on the other handis able to store a massive amount of objects, although it was assumed that these objects lacked detail. Recent studies however have shown that we are indeed able to recall details as well.
Check out the video above to test your visual memory for yourself!
