OLDER AND YOUNGER ADULTS' STRATEGIC CONTROL OF METACOGNITIVE MONITORING: THE ROLE OF CONSEQUENCES, TASK EXPERIENCE,
Shannon McGillivray1,2, Alan D Castel1,2
1a Department of Psychology , Weber State University , Ogden , Utah , USA.
Experimental Aging Research
|March 31, 2017
Summary
Older adults maintain metacognitive insight, strategically using memory predictions to improve performance, especially when prior knowledge aids recall. Task experience enhances memory outcomes for all ages.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
Background:
- Explicit memory declines with age, but metacognitive abilities remain relatively preserved.
- The impact of aging on strategic control of metacognition is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how aging, forgetting consequences, prior knowledge, and experience affect metacognitive strategy use.
- To examine age-related differences in memory performance and metacognitive insight.
Main Methods:
- Older and younger adults "bet" on recall likelihood for word lists, pairs, and scenario items.
- Participants received points for correct recall and lost points for forgetting, aiming to maximize scores.
Main Results:
- While younger adults recalled more words overall, both age groups equally recalled high-value items.
- Memory accuracy and scores improved with task experience.
- Age-related memory differences disappeared when semantic knowledge was applicable.
Conclusions:
- Both younger and older adults demonstrate accurate metacognitive insight.
- Metacognitive knowledge is strategically employed to optimize memory performance and outcomes across the lifespan.
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