Waitresses shine in memory tests

WAITERS and waitresses are likely to have better memories than university students, according to a study by Exeter University.

The study, testing a group of cocktail waitresses, showed they could remember up to 20 drink orders at a time, far more than a group of university students.

Michael Howe, professor of psychology at the university, said that workers in certain jobs can develop memory skills, although it is questionable whether the same group would be able to remember a list of items that they were not so familiar with.

Research also revealed that practice and hard work were more likely contributors to success than "natural talent".

"The idea that someone is born with a talent to be a great chef or a good manager is a bit of a myth. Skills arise as a result of experience," said Howe.

Studies of great artists, mathematicians and athletes found no cases of highest achievers without serious training and thousands of hours' practice.