Effectiveness of Categorical Clustering as an Encoding Versus a Retrieval Strategy Among Preschoolers

The relative effectiveness of categorical clustering as an encoding and retrieval strategy was examined among 92 three- and four-year-olds on a spatial memory task used to examine utilization deficiencies. Specifically, participants were asked to remember the locations of one of two categories of toys (i.e., four animals and four chairs) within in a multicolored square box. Most children spontaneously used a categorical clustering strategy when removing toys from the box (reflecting encoding) and/or replacing them (reflecting retrieval). However, the production of a categorical clustering strategy did not facilitate recall for all participants. Children who engaged in categorical clustering exclusively during encoding were more likely to present with a utilization deficiency by recalling fewer toy locations than those exclusively clustering during retrieval. Recall performance was not enhanced among children who used categorical clustering during both phases.