Does Photographic Memory Exist?
There is controversy over the very existence of photographic memory. Photographic memory has been confused with eidetic memory even by experts. It may be because of the misnomer of photographic memory but some researchers think that someone that can remember small details are staying they can recall all events for over three minutes.
The test for eidetic memory is also used to test photographic memory. In this test, a person is given thirty seconds to look at an image, which is then removed. After this, the person looking at the image tries to recreate it in their mind, and tells the researcher what they saw.
Very few individuals have been able to repeat the image in clear detail and after a few minutes could only offer a rough outline. Based on these types of test, these researchers are claiming that photographic memory is a myth.
Despite the conclusions drawn by these experts, there are numerous people who have demonstrated that photographic memory is very real and very possible. The basic theory is that people have enhanced memory capabilities enabling them to remember things longer that most, instead of actually taking a picture with their brain.
Expanding Memory Traits
Most people who are thought of as having a photographic memory are children. Younger people often recall things they’ve seen or experienced in extremely vivid detail. As we age, unfortunately, the memory process is disrupted, and older images are replaced with new ones on a regular basis.
Adults don’t keep information as well since they have so many interruptions in their lives.
There are numerous resources that can help individuals capitalize on their memory abilities and train themselves to have a virtual photographic memory. Memory course have been around for several years to help people with recall of important information such as names and dates, and through this training develop what is sometimes termed as a photographic memory.
People who claim to have eidetic memories (the ability to recall images in detail after seeing it no more than once), are very rare. People with photographic memories are able to recall detail information, as though they were looking at a picture. Their expanded memory abilities are what permit them to form an image of that information.
