Some initial tests have suggested that quite a number of children, and perhaps adults too, have a special ability – something like a photographic memory, called “eidetic imagery”. This allows them to continue to ‘see’ an image, in detail, for a short while even after it is taken away.

Bang Goes the Theory invites you to take part in a short test, which will reveal for the first time just how many people have this talent.

There are only 10 questions, so do please try to do all of them, even if you think you are just guessing. You may not be aware of having the ability, so you might be doing better than you think! Initial tests suggest that talking disrupts the ability so try to do the test in a quiet place.

Take the photographic memory test

If you score highly, it might be a sign that you have a 'photographic memory' - in which case, you'll be asked if you'd like to take part in a more serious study being organised by the University of Iowa.

This test was devised by the University of Iowa Department of Psychology in association with Bang Goes the Theory and The Open University.

Content last updated: 28/09/2009