SDAM Test — Autobiographical Memory Self-Assessment
A free self-test for how vividly you relive your personal past. 16 statements in 4 groups, scale 1–5. Methodology modeled on autobiographical memory research (SAM: Palombo et al., 2013) — with entirely original items.
What does the AMT-16 measure?
The AMT-16 is aphantasie.org's own self-assessment. Its structure follows the methodology of research questionnaires on autobiographical memory (SAM: Palombo et al., 2013); all items are original formulations. It is a self-assessment, not a psychometrically validated instrument, and does not replace clinical assessment or diagnosis of SDAM.
The AMT-16 (Autobiographical Memory Test) is a self-test by aphantasie.org. Its structure follows the methodology of the Survey of Autobiographical Memory (SAM, Palombo, Williams, Abdi & Levine, 2013) — the instrument used to first characterize Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory (SDAM). All 16 items are original formulations by aphantasie.org.
The test covers 4 dimensions of memory (episodic, semantic, spatial, future) with 4 items each. You rate on a scale from 1–5 how much each statement applies to you. The episodic score (4–20) is the primary axis — SDAM is characterized by low episodic recall alongside intact semantic (factual) memory.
The AMT-16 is a self-report measure, not a psychometrically validated instrument or diagnostic tool. There is currently no published clinical cutoff for SDAM in self-report questionnaires — our result bands are a transparent internal convention, not a scientific citation.
Methodological basis
- Palombo, D.J., Williams, L.J., Abdi, H., & Levine, B. (2013). The survey of autobiographical memory (SAM): A novel measure of trait mnemonics in everyday life. Cortex, 49(6), 1526–1540.
Take the AMT-16 Test
Take 5 minutes in a quiet, undisturbed environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the AMT-16
What is the AMT-16?
The AMT-16 (Autobiographical Memory Test) is an original self-test by aphantasie.org. It follows the methodology of the SAM (Palombo et al., 2013) but contains entirely original items.
What is SDAM?
SDAM (Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory) is a lifelong, non-clinical variation in which people can learn and retain facts about their past but don't 're-live' personal events as vivid scenes. It was first characterized by Palombo et al. (2015) and often co-occurs with aphantasia.
How long does the AMT-16 take?
The AMT-16 takes about 5 minutes. You answer 16 statements on a 5-point scale and get your result instantly.
What does my episodic score mean?
Your episodic score (4–20) reflects how vividly you re-experience specific personal events. There is no published clinical cutoff for SDAM in self-report — our result bands are a transparent internal convention, not a diagnosis.
Is the AMT-16 scientifically validated?
The AMT-16 follows the methodology of autobiographical memory research (SAM: Palombo et al. 2013), but contains original items and has not been separately psychometrically validated. It is a self-report measure for personal orientation — not a diagnostic instrument.
Is there an official test for SDAM?
There is no publicly available, validated self-screening tool for SDAM with instant results. Researchers use the proprietary SAM questionnaire (copyright Baycrest Centre) in study contexts. The AMT-16 is aphantasie.org's own, freely accessible self-assessment inspired by this research.
Is the AMT-16 free?
Yes. The test is completely free, runs directly in your browser without registration, and delivers your result instantly.
More Tests & Topics
VST-16 Visual Imagery Test
Measure how vividly you can visualize scenes in your mind's eye.
Learn moreGlossary: SDAM
Definition and research context for Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions about the AMT-16 Test
What is the AMT-16?
The AMT-16 (Autobiographical Memory Test) is an original self-test by aphantasie.org. It follows the methodology of the SAM (Palombo et al., 2013) but contains entirely original items.
What is SDAM?
SDAM (Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory) is a lifelong, non-clinical variation in which people can learn and retain facts about their past but don't 're-live' personal events as vivid scenes. It was first characterized by Palombo et al. (2015) and often co-occurs with aphantasia.
How long does the AMT-16 take?
The AMT-16 takes about 5 minutes. You answer 16 statements on a 5-point scale and get your result instantly.
What does my episodic score mean?
Your episodic score (4–20) reflects how vividly you re-experience specific personal events. There is no published clinical cutoff for SDAM in self-report — our result bands are a transparent internal convention, not a diagnosis.
Is the AMT-16 scientifically validated?
The AMT-16 follows the methodology of autobiographical memory research (SAM: Palombo et al. 2013), but contains original items and has not been separately psychometrically validated. It is a self-report measure for personal orientation — not a diagnostic instrument.
Is there an official test for SDAM?
There is no publicly available, validated self-screening tool for SDAM with instant results. Researchers use the proprietary SAM questionnaire (copyright Baycrest Centre) in study contexts. The AMT-16 is aphantasie.org's own, freely accessible self-assessment inspired by this research.
Is the AMT-16 free?
Yes. The test is completely free, runs directly in your browser without registration, and delivers your result instantly.