Approximate capacity of working memory is believed to be around 7 items, give or take 2 (Miller’s Law). Therefore, I’ll provide you with a short quiz listing 9 items for you to remember. Your task is to recall as many items as possible. Here are the items:
- Apple
- Chair
- Dog
- Guitar
- Moon
- Penguin
- Sunflower
- Tree
- Watch
Take a moment to memorise these items, and recall them when you are ready.
If you prefer the names in Somali, here are the 9 items in Somali:
- Tufaax
- Kursi
- Eey
- Firinbi
- Qorrax
- Shinbir
- Macsaro
- Geed
- Saacad
If you recall 9 items correctly: Well done! You have an excellent memory and you can proceed with the Cambridge search for ‘super memorisers’ to help scientists unlock the secrets of memory.
If you recall between 4 and 8 items correctly: Good job! You have a solid memory and were able to remember a significant number of items. Your working memory is functioning well within the expected range.
If you recall between 1 and 3 items correctly: Oops! It seems you had difficulty remembering most of the items. While occasional lapses in memory are normal, consistently struggling to recall a small number of items may indicate some difficulty with working memory. If this is a consistent issue, it might be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
Remember, this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. If you’re concerned about your memory or cognitive abilities, it’s always best to seek professional advice.