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Published on: September 20, 2020
Aging and self-reported internal and external memory strategy uses: the role of executive functioning
Badiâa Bouazzaoui1, Michel Isingrini, Séverine Fay
1Université François-Rabelais de Tours, France. bouazzaoui@univ-tours.fr
Older adults use more external memory strategies and fewer internal ones as they age. Executive functions predict internal strategy use, supporting the executive hypothesis of cognitive aging.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in memory functioning.
- Executive functions play a crucial role in cognitive processes, including memory strategy use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how advanced age impacts self-reported internal and external memory strategy use.
- To determine if executive functioning predicts age-related changes in memory strategy use.
Main Methods:
- 194 participants (21-80 years) were divided into three age groups.
- Participants completed the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire for internal/external strategy use.
- Executive functioning was assessed using three standardized tests.
Main Results:
- External memory strategy use increased with age, while internal strategy use decreased.
- Executive functioning was positively correlated with internal strategy use.
- Executive functioning explained a significant portion of age-related variance in internal strategy use.
Conclusions:
- Older adults increasingly rely on external memory strategies to compensate for age-related memory decline.
- The decline in internal memory strategy use with age can be attributed to executive function changes.
- Self-reported memory strategy measures are valid indicators of actual strategy use.
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