The empirical data on long-term odor
memory suggest that long-term odor memory may be
distinguished from memory for other stimuli by being
unusually resistant to decay. By contrast, the few and assorted
findings on short-term odor memory make conclusions
about the shape and duration ofshort-term odor
memory currently impossible. Because olfactory memory
appears to be exceptionally sensitive to methodological
manipulations, protocols that take into account both
the special features of olfaction (slower processing) and
the appropriate cross-modal controls will have to be devised
before the odor memory retention function can be
determined and legitimately compared with visualverbal
memory.