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Updated: May 31, 2026
07:01
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Goal orientation and self-efficacy in relation to memory in adulthood
Erin C Hastings1, Robin L West
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. clh1230@ufl.edu
Summary
Learning goals boost memory self-efficacy and performance in older adults, while performance goals hinder them. This research validates the achievement goal framework across age groups.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Aging
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- The achievement goal framework is established in younger populations but understudied in older adults.
- Understanding factors influencing memory performance in aging is crucial for cognitive health.
- Memory self-efficacy and goal orientations are potential mediators of cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of memory self-efficacy, learning goals, and performance goals on memory performance in younger and older adults.
- To validate the achievement goal framework in an older adult sample.
- To investigate the mediating role of memory self-efficacy in the relationship between goal orientations and memory performance.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving younger and older adult participants.
- Utilized questionnaires to assess memory self-efficacy and goal orientations (learning and performance).
- Assessed memory performance using free and cued recall via telephone interviews.
- Employed structural equation modeling to analyze relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Older age was negatively associated with memory self-efficacy and memory performance.
- Higher education positively correlated with memory self-efficacy.
- Memory self-efficacy positively predicted memory performance.
- Learning goals positively impacted memory self-efficacy, whereas performance goals had a negative impact.
- The effects of learning and performance goals on memory performance were mediated by memory self-efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The achievement goal framework is applicable to older adults, extending its generalizability.
- Promoting learning goals and mitigating performance goals may enhance memory self-efficacy and cognitive function in aging.
- Memory self-efficacy is a key factor linking goal orientations to memory outcomes in diverse age groups.
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