” This has led to people linking eidetic memory to photographic memory, a phenomenon that scientists have said is an entirely different ability that may be more myth than fact. According to the Encyclopedia of Psychology, eidetic memory is “ abundant and unusually vivid visual recall. Image Courtesy:ġ.There has recently been an influx of discussion and questions about eidetic memory within the world of psychology. “ Eidetic Imagery.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Ģ. Thus, this is the key difference between eidetic memory and photographic memory. Eidetic memory is the ability to recall an image for a brief period of time with high precision, while photographic memory is the ability to recall an image for a much longer period with high precision. Eidetic memory and photographic memory are two types of memory in people. Memory is the ability to take in information, store it, and recall it at a later time. Summary – Eidetic Memory vs Photographic Memory The following infographic lists the differences between eidetic memory and photographic memory in tabular form for side by side comparison. Furthermore, eidetic memory lasts mere seconds or less than seconds, while photographic memory lasts few months. So, this is the key difference between eidetic memory and photographic memory. What is the Difference Between Eidetic Memory and Photographic Memory?Įidetic memory is the ability to recall an image for a brief period of time with high precision while photographic memory is the ability to recall an image for a much longer period with high precision.

They have no correlation to any cognitive, neurological, intellectual, or emotional measure.

The brain controls the mechanisms of both types of memory.

These types of memory can be observed only in few individuals.

Both types of memory have the ability to recall visual images.

Eidetic memory and photographic memory are two types of memory in people.

What are the Similarities Between Eidetic Memory and Photographic Memory? However, there are some methods such as using associations and chunking information in memory for training the mind to take and store the mental photographs for future use. Although most people would love to have a photographic memory, not everyone is capable of achieving it. Many scientists believe that such a thing is not possible.

However, there has been debate in modern research and psychology about the existence of photographic memory. Most photographic memories only last few months. Even people with photographic memories may not retain the memory for a long period of time. Only a few people have a truly photographic memory. In photographic memory, the person is able to recall the past scenes in detail with great accuracy, like a photograph, for a much longer period. But photographic memory is very rare and difficult to prove. Photographic memory is the ability to recall a past scene for a much longer period with high precision. However, some adults possess phenomenal memories. It suggests that developmental changes such as acquiring language skills may disrupt the potential for eidetic imagery. Eidetic memory has been observed in 2 to 10% of children aged around 6 to 12. Moreover, eidetic memory is typically found in young children and is virtually non-existent in adults.Ĭhildren possess a greater capacity for eidetic imagery than adults. This section of the brain is involved in processing visual stimuli and retaining images for a few short seconds.

Generally, eidetic memory is controlled by the posterior parietal cortex of the parietal lobe of the brain. Summary – Eidetic Memory vs Photographic Memory What is Eidetic Memory?Įidetic memory is the ability to recall a past scene for a brief period of time with high accuracy after seeing it only once. Eidetic Memory vs Photographic Memory in Tabular FormĦ. Similarities – Eidetic Memory and Photographic Memoryĥ. Problems with memory can range from minor annoyances to critical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, which affect the quality of life and ability to function properly. Human memory involves the ability to preserve and recover information learnt or experienced over the years. They are encoding, storage, and retrieval. There are three main processes involved in memory. Memory is the ability to acquire, store, retain, and retrieve information. The key difference between eidetic memory and photographic memory is that eidetic memory is the ability to recall a past scene for a brief period of time with high precision, while photographic memory is the ability to recall a past scene for longer period with high precision.Įidetic memory and photographic memory are two types of memory in people.

Didactic vs eidetic memory