However, the group of cognitively impaired subjects was able to remember the images long after the event.Įidetic memory is a temporary form of short-term memory. The group with high intelligence and the group with average intelligence did not show any ability to retain images for more than a few seconds.

The researchers tested three groups of people of varying intelligence. However, another study done about eidetic memory had opposite results. Their studies led to the conclusion that the ability of photographic memory is directly related to intelligence. One group of researchers studied the memoirs and histories of several people, including Darwin, who claimed to have photographic memories.

There has also been much debate about what might make photographic memory possible. In the end, the only person who can say definitively whether or not they can see the image in their mind's eye is the person in question. However, researchers are still studying the matter, as there are people who claim to have this ability. In truth, there is no evidence that photographic memory is possible. They believe that people do not see the image in their mind's eyes long after the event. They argue that people who remember things clearly for a long period are using the more normal memory enhancements of association or chunking. Many researchers believe that such a thing is not possible. There has been quite a bit of debate in research and psychology circles about the existence of photographic memory. One of the main factors of eidetic memory is how precise and accurate the memory is. With a photographic memory, the eidetic memory is transferred to the short-term memory banks for storage, allowing it to be recalled much later. Most photographic memories only last a few months at most, as they are not relayed to long-term memory. Even people with a photographic memory may not retain these memories for a long period. Photographic memory is the ability to recall an image for a much longer period.įew people have a truly photographic memory. However, this memory lasts less than one second for most people, and no more than a few seconds for others. There is a definite difference between eidetic and photographic memory, although both are visual memory. You can learn more about the different types of memory in online therapy. For most people, these images are only retained for a few short seconds before being discarded, or information relayed to the short-term memory. This is the part of the brain through which visual stimuli are processed, and images retained. Many people make claims that this is a myth and people cannot successfully remember their lives so clearly, but the performance of those who can successfully remember an event or an image is like watching a computer or something out of Scientific American successfully capture a moment.Įidetic memory is controlled primarily by the posterior parietal cortex of the parietal lobe of the brain. It is similar to h yperthymesia, which is the ability to recall a past experience in great detail. Getting a sharp snapshot with clarity and accurate vision (object remains unaltered, unchanged, and essentially in its original form) may prove that you have the abilities of this type of memory. To get an idea of how well your brain makes use of eidetic memory, look at an object and close your eyes, and see how long you can still see the object in your mind's eye. For most people, the image lasts mere seconds or less than one second.

Eidetic memory is the ability to see an object soon after you look away. Connect With A Board-Certified Psychology Expert.Įveryone has use of eidetic memory to a degree.

Eidetic image definition