Enhanced memory ability: Diagnosing sequence-space synaesthesia

Ward, Jamie (2017). Enhanced memory ability: Diagnosing sequence-space synaesthesia. [Data Collection]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive. 10.5255/UKDA-SN-852530

In this research programme we will investigate enhanced memory in synaesthesia (e.g. experiencing colours for words). Our general approach is to treat synaesthesia as a 'test case' to address other important research questions.
For instance, we consider how synaesthesia can inform general theories of memory. Importantly, not all aspects of memory are enhanced in synaesthesia and this can provide insights into how the memory system is structured. Indeed it is not trivially the case that material that elicits 'extra' sensations are better remembered: some material that does not evoke extra sensations (such as abstract figures) are also better remembered by synaesthetes.

We suggest that synaesthetes have widespread changes in their perceptual systems (including but not limited to their extra experiences) and that systems supporting perception can also be engaged in memory. We will use both standard and bespoke tests of memory to explore which aspects of memory are enhanced and we will explore how individual differences in perception (in non-synaesthetes) may relate to performance on certain memory tasks.

Data description (abstract)

This set of data consists of experimental data. People with sequence-space synesthesia (SSS) report table visuo-spatial forms corresponding to numbers,days, and months (amongst others). This type of synesthesia has intrigued scientists for over 130 years but the lack of an agreed upon tool for assessing it has held back research on this phenomenon. The present study builds on previous tests by measuring the consistency of spatial locations that is known to discriminate controls from synesthetes. We document, for the first time, the sensitivity and specificity of such a test and suggest a diagnostic cut-off point for discriminating between the groups based on the area bounded by different placement attempts with the same item.

This forms part of a larger collection of data considering visual and verbal recognition memory, differences in visual ability, and the relationship to autism.

Data creators: