Interference and integration: the fan effect in children and adults

In three experiments, we explored (1) possible developmental changes in interference and (2) the use of integration processes to eliminate them. Two versions of the fan effect procedure were used. Results of Experiment 1 with unrelated sentences showed similar fan effects for 12-13-year-old children and adults. In Experiment 2, the sentences were thematically related so that it was possible to use elaboration processes to construct integrated representations. Under these conditions only adult participants eliminated the fan effect. In Experiment 3 a new procedure was used where children and adults studied highly familiar material in an organised manner. The results showed that in these conditions children integrated information and reduced interference. Thus, prior knowledge and organisation seem to be important factors to create meaningful integrated representations in memory.