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Parallel effects of aging and time pressure on memory for source: evidence from the spacing effect
1University of Toronto and the Rotman Research Institute, Ontario, Canada. asbenjam@s.psych.uiuc.edu
Memory & Cognition
|September 4, 2001
Summary
Memory for items and context differs between age groups. Spacing presentations aids young adults but impairs older adults
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
Background:
- Investigating the dissociability of item memory (recognizing an item) from source memory (recalling context).
- Understanding how presentation spacing affects memory recall and rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if item memory and source memory are distinct cognitive functions.
- To examine age-related differences in memory for item versus source.
- To assess the impact of time pressure on memory performance.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using spaced versus massed presentation of items.
- Participants included young and old adults, with varying recognition and exclusion tasks.
- Time pressure was manipulated in one experiment to assess decision-making under speeded conditions.
Main Results:
- Young adults showed improved recognition and rejection with spaced presentations.
- Older adults benefited from spacing for recognition but showed increased false endorsements for rejection.
- Under time pressure, young adults' ability to reject items decreased with spacing.
Conclusions:
- Source memory appears selectively impaired in older adults.
- Accessing source memory information is challenging under time constraints.
- Spacing effects on memory differ significantly across age groups and task demands.