The effect of mnemonic training on perceived recall confidence in the elderly

This study examined the effects of memory training on the relationship between perceived recall confidence and recall performance. The sample consisted of 76 elderly, community dwelling volunteers. Fifty-nine individuals received eight hours of memory training; the remaining 17 were wait-list controls. Participants were tested at pre- and post-intervention, and rated their confidence for recall of name-face pairs prior to each testing. The results showed a significant improvement in name-face recall at post test, favoring the group receiving mnemonic training. There was a significant association found between confidence ratings and recall performance at post-test. A closer examination of standardized regression residuals (confidence ratings and number of name-face pairs recalled) revealed that with mnemonic training, there was an improvement in the relationship between perceived confidence and recall performance following mnemonic training. The results suggest that the ability to assess changes in recall capacity and to judge future memory performance is enhanced by exposure to mnemonic training.