Memories Put On Ice
By Sarah Williams
Those of us who can never remember where we put our keys need no longer worry.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have developed a method of fixing peoples' memories - a self administered interview that reduces memory loss by 'freezing' images and details of events, particularly small and seemingly insignificant ones.
The test was developed with more important aims than helping those of us with short term memory problems. It is hoped that the self administered interview (SAI) will be used by witnesses of crimes directly after the event, increasing the likelihood of them remembering forensically relevant information.
Participants in the study viewed a simulated event and reported as much as they could remember. Those who had completed the SAI remembered significantly more details than those who simply reported what they had seen. Tests showed that witnesses using the SAI were 42% more accurate at recalling forensically relevant information and 44% more correct about details of the other people involved in the incident.
Those witnesses who completed the SAI directly after the crime were still reporting almost 30% more correct details than other witnesses under formal interview conditions, even seven days after the event.
Whether or not this will help me find my keys, however, is another matter entirely. I'm not sure I fancy sitting down and interviewing myself for half an hour every time I get in from the shops.
Get some more brainy science here:
- News - Mysteries of the brain revealed
- Spoof - Calls to ban Remembrance Day
- Patent - Cutting edge memo pad
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have developed a method of fixing peoples' memories - a self administered interview that reduces memory loss by 'freezing' images and details of events, particularly small and seemingly insignificant ones.
The test was developed with more important aims than helping those of us with short term memory problems. It is hoped that the self administered interview (SAI) will be used by witnesses of crimes directly after the event, increasing the likelihood of them remembering forensically relevant information.
Participants in the study viewed a simulated event and reported as much as they could remember. Those who had completed the SAI remembered significantly more details than those who simply reported what they had seen. Tests showed that witnesses using the SAI were 42% more accurate at recalling forensically relevant information and 44% more correct about details of the other people involved in the incident.
Those witnesses who completed the SAI directly after the crime were still reporting almost 30% more correct details than other witnesses under formal interview conditions, even seven days after the event.
Whether or not this will help me find my keys, however, is another matter entirely. I'm not sure I fancy sitting down and interviewing myself for half an hour every time I get in from the shops.
Get some more brainy science here:
- News - Mysteries of the brain revealed
- Spoof - Calls to ban Remembrance Day
- Patent - Cutting edge memo pad
Image courtesy of WRGB
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