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Brain Game
Chimp Test
Is your memory better than a chimp's?
Remember the positions of numbers on screen, then
click in order !
Starting with 4 numbers ยท +1 each round
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What is the Chimp Test?
The Chimp Test is a game inspired by a short-term memory test developed by Professor Tetsuro Matsuzawa's team at Kyoto University's Primate Research Institute. In the original experiment, a young chimpanzee named Ayumu demonstrated far superior instantaneous memory compared to humans, making worldwide headlines. You must remember the positions of numbers briefly shown on screen, then click them in the correct order after they disappear. As levels progress, more numbers must be remembered, testing the limits of your short-term memory (working memory). Can you beat chimpanzee Ayumu's record?
How to Play
- Press 'Start' to begin the test.
- Numbers briefly appear on screen then disappear โ quickly memorize their positions.
- After numbers disappear, click positions in order starting from 1.
- Correct answers advance you to the next level, with one more number added.
- A wrong answer ends the test and shows your final level.
Tips
- Don't try to read numbers one by one โ memorize the entire layout as an image.
- Fix your gaze at the center of the screen and use peripheral vision to capture more numbers.
- It's important not to make mistakes at lower levels โ don't rush.
- Consistent practice can gradually increase your working memory capacity.
Did You Know?
- Chimpanzee Ayumu nearly perfectly remembered the positions of 9 numbers exposed for only 210ms.
- The average human working memory capacity is said to be about 7ยฑ2 items (Miller's Law).
- Why young chimps have better instantaneous memory than adult humans is still not fully understood.
- This ability is related to 'eidetic memory', which weakens in humans as they age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chimpanzees really have better memory than humans?
Not in all aspects. Chimps excel in 'flash memory' โ the ability to quickly capture briefly exposed information. However, humans are far superior in long-term memory, language-based memory, and abstract thinking. This test only measures instantaneous memory.
What level can an average person reach?
Most people start to struggle between levels 5-7. Level 7+ indicates very excellent short-term memory, and level 9+ is comparable to chimpanzee Ayumu's level! Consistent practice can improve your record.
Can this test improve my memory?
Repeated practice can improve performance on this specific task. However, whether this translates to general everyday memory improvement is debated in academia. Enjoy it as fun brain training, but don't expect medical benefits.