Processes underlying developmental reversals in false-memory formation: comment on Brainerd, Reyna, and Ceci (2008)
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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory
Published on: January 31, 2017
1Department of Psychology and Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. sghetti@ucdavis.edu
Abstract:
C. J. Brainerd, V. F. Reyna, and S. J. Ceci (2008) reviewed compelling evidence of developmental reversals in false-memory formation (i.e., younger children exhibit lower false-memory rates than do older children and adults) and proposed that this phenomenon depends on the development of gist processing (i.e., the ability to identify and process the semantic theme of word lists, events, etc.). A full understanding of development reversals, however, cannot be achieved without further characterizing the role played by complementary or opposing processes. Suggestions for future research are made from this perspective.
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