Unlike traditional memory tests, which rely on direct questioning, the new method focuses on natural reactions.
By Shula Rosen
Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) have developed a novel method for measuring memory that does not rely on verbal responses.
By tracking eye movements, researchers found that people often remember more than they report, opening up possibilities for assessing memory in groups that cannot speak, such as infants, Alzheimer’s patients, and individuals with brain injuries.
The study, published in Communications Psychology, was led by Dr. Flavio Jean Schmidig, Daniel Yamin, Dr. Omer Sharon, and Prof. Yuval Nir, in collaboration with the Sagol Brain Institute.
Unlike traditional memory tests, which rely on direct questioning, the new method focuses on natural reactions.
“Memory is usually tested through direct questioning, but this cannot be done with animals, infants, or patients who cannot speak,” explained Dr. Schmidig in a press release.
In the experiment, 145 healthy participants watched animated videos containing surprising moments, such as a mouse leaping out of a corner.
When shown the films again, many subjects instinctively directed their gaze to the spot where the surprise would happen, even if they said they did not remember it.
According to Yamin, this showed that “gaze direction is a very sensitive gauge of memory,” and in many cases, it revealed hidden recollections.
The researchers used AI and machine learning tools to analyze the eye-tracking data, finding it could reliably predict whether a subject had formed a memory after only a few seconds of viewing.
Dr. Sharon noted that subtle eye movements can reveal memory more accurately than verbal answers, which are often uncertain and unreliable.
Prof. Nir said the approach could become a simple, accessible diagnostic tool, requiring only a standard laptop or smartphone camera. He emphasized that it may help scientists and clinicians measure memory in ways that were previously impossible.
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