Memory for sex-role consistent and inconsistent actions in young and old adults

Adult age differences in the flexibility of schematic processing were examined by measuring the degree to which a dominant structure (traditional sex-role knowledge) interfered with the operation of a nondominant structure (nontraditional knowledge). In two experiments, young and old adults read statements describing a man performing actions consistent or inconsistent with a prescribed sex role in an impression-formation task. Participants in both age groups altered their processing of the actions, as indicated by reading times and trait ratings, relative to the sex role emphasized, although the effect was stronger for men than women. The expected greater recall for sex role inconsistent than consistent actions was observed only when the traditional sex role was emphasized, and not when the nontraditional role was emphasized, suggesting interference from the dominant schema at recall. However, the lack of age differences in the degree of interference observed during initial processing and recall suggests no aging effects on schematic flexibility.