Try it out: The self reference effect in memory

Let’s try an experiment! Read each sentence and answer it yes or no.

Are you joyful?

Is your friend patient?

Are you creative?

Is your friend kind?

Are you generous?

Is your friend thoughtful?

Are you honest?

Is your friend happy?

Are you loving?

Is your friend cheerful?

Are you lively?

Is your friend smart?

Are you calm?

Is your friend strong?

Now, cover up those sentences and try to remember all the adjectives (descriptions) that you read.

Most people will find it easier to remember the adjectives that they thought about in reference to themselves (Are you ___?) rather than another person (Is your friend___?) It often is easiest for people to remember the positive adjectives that they think are true for themselves (So, if you said you are loving and creative, you may remember those adjectives particularly well).

This is called the self reference effect in memory: It makes it easier to remember information when we think about how information relates to ourselves. This is something you can use when studying anything! If you specifically think about why you are interested in it, or why it matters to you, that can help you remember it!