Sequence memory is one of the toughest skills to develop yet one of the most useful ones. Your mind constantly navigates through routes, games, passwords, and visual cues every day without even realizing it.
The sequence memory test assesses your ability to memorize and reproduce a sequence of visual cues. Want to know your skills? Take the sequence memory test!
What Is a Sequence Memory Test?
A sequence memory test evaluates your visuospatial working memory – that is, your capability to remember the location and order of information presented visually in a short period of time.
Unlike other memory tests, which require remembering numbers and words, here you have to remember a pattern and repeat it back.
Sequence memory tests are very similar to another popular psychological test called the Corsi Block Test, widely used in research since the 1970s.
As per the model of working memory developed by Alan Baddeley, visuospatial tasks are supported mainly by the visuospatial sketchpad rather than the phonological loop that handles verbal data.
What Does Your Score Mean?
The meaning of your score is revealed by comparing it to a standard.
| Score | Interpretation |
| Less than 6 steps | Below average |
| 7–9 steps | Average |
| 10–12 steps | Above average |
| 13+ steps | Exceptional |
A lot of people measure themselves against the famous human benchmark memory test, which has an average number of 8 correct steps. But do not despair if your score is lower, since sequence memory is a very trainable skill.
A common misunderstanding about this test is that seeing sequences over and over again can increase your score. However, active recall is what really counts here.
Sequence Memory vs. Number Memory
While both of these tests require working memory, they assess different types of cognitive functions.
| Test | Primary Skill |
| Sequence Memory | Visual-spatial recall |
| Number memory test | Verbal and numerical recall |
Sequence tasks concentrate on remembering sequences and positions, whereas number tasks depend on verbal rehearsal more. Since they test different skills, many individuals do much better in one compared to another.
How to Improve Sequence Memory
Fortunately for us, sequence memory is highly trainable.
Organize chunks of patterns. Rather than learning eight discrete positions, chunk them into small visual units.
Employ spatial routes. Utilizing the memory palace method can be effective in transforming abstract patterns into visual routes.
Practice consistently. Studies by Draganski et al. proved that training leads to structural changes in the brain that correspond with learning and memory.
Training your sequence memory skills with memoryOS for 10-15 minutes per day will progressively develop your ability to recognize patterns and recall them quickly and precisely. To test your knowledge further, try the memory sequence game together with other exercises from the wide range of memory exercises available at memoryOS.
FAQ
What is an acceptable score on the sequence memory test?
The average score for most individuals would be 7 to 9 correct steps. Above-average scores are 10 or more, and anything 13 or higher is excellent.
How do I improve my sequence memory?
The most effective ways include practice, grouping of visual sequences, and applying the spatial memory method, which includes the memory palace technique.