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Stereotypes, Warnings, and Identity-Related Variables Influence Older Adults' Susceptibility to Associative False
Amy M Smith1, David A Gallo2, Sarah J Barber3
1Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.
The Gerontologist
|September 1, 2017
Summary
Activating ageist stereotypes increases false memory in older adults, especially those who are highly educated or retired. Understanding individual differences helps mitigate stereotype threat and memory impairment.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Ageist stereotypes can negatively impact older adults' memory recall.
- Previous research indicates this effect is pronounced in certain subgroups, such as the young-old and highly educated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between ageist stereotyping and susceptibility to false memories in older adults.
- To identify individual characteristics that may moderate the impact of stereotype threat on memory.
Main Methods:
- Older adults participated in an incidental learning task with word lists.
- Participants were exposed to ageist stereotypes or control conditions, with or without warnings about list associations.
- A recognition test assessed false memory, followed by demographic questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Older adults exposed to stereotypes showed increased false recognition of non-presented words.
- Higher education and retirement status were associated with greater susceptibility to false memories.
Conclusions:
- Stereotype threat significantly influences false memory in older adults.
- Individual differences, particularly education and retirement status, play a crucial role in moderating this effect.
- Identifying at-risk individuals is key to developing interventions against stereotype-induced memory impairment.
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