Memory experiment takes off

Memory experiment takes off Researchers at Cambridge and Durham universities have launched what could be the world's biggest ever memory experiment. The psychologists have teamed up with the Guardian to run an online experiment for members of the public to test their memory abilities and find out how they stack up against their friends. Anybody can participate by clicking on http://www.guardian.co.uk/memorystudy   and test their memory abilities for free from the comfort of their own homes. Charles Fernhough, a psychologist at Durham University, who worked with the team at the University of Cambridge, said: "Remembering is one of the most fascinating and complex functions that our minds perform.  With this study we hope to shed further light on how the brain fits together the different bits of information that go to make up a memory." The experiment is part of the Guardian's Memory Week, which culminates in a free guide, "Make the most of your memory", available with the newspaper on Saturday 14 January, which includes articles and memory tips from Cambridge expert Simons and Fernyhough as well as a number of other memory experts. The experiment, which will take just a few minutes to complete, investigates features of long-term memory (our ability to remember events we have experienced). Participants will study words presented on the screen and different aspects of their memory for the words will be assessed.