Chimp Test vs Sequence Memory Test
The Chimp Test shows numbered tiles briefly, then hides them — you must click them in numerical order from memory of their positions. Sequence Memory shows tiles flashing in a sequence, then asks you to repeat that sequence.
When to take the Chimp Test
Use the Chimp Test when you want to benchmark spatial working memory under pressure — you must encode positions, then plan an action sequence using that memory.
Take Chimp Test →When to take the Sequence Memory Test
Use Sequence Memory when you want a cleaner test of pure serial memory — replicating an order you just saw.
Take Sequence Memory Test →Frequently asked questions
Why is the Chimp Test famously hard for adults?
It requires encoding the position of multiple numbered targets in a brief window, then planning a click sequence from memory after the numbers disappear. Young chimpanzees outperform untrained adult humans on the original Inoue & Matsuzawa (2007) version, suggesting humans rely more on verbal-mediated strategies that fail under speed.
Which is closer to how working memory is normally tested?
Sequence Memory. Standard working-memory tasks (Corsi blocks, digit span) emphasize order reproduction. The Chimp Test adds a planning component on top, which makes it a hybrid working-memory + planning task.