Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2025

An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing
Published on: October 25, 2019
Exploring Effects of Age on Conflict Processing in the Light of Practice in a Large-Scale Dataset
1School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Introduction:
The possible decline of cognitive functions with age has been in the focus of cognitive research in the last decades. The present study investigated effects of aging on conflict processing in a big dataset of a Stroop-inspired online training task.
Methods:
We focused on the temporal dynamics of conflict processing in the light of task practice by means of inspecting delta plots and Lorenz-interference curves to gain insights on a process level.
Results:
The results indicate a relatively constant increase of cognitive conflict over the course of adulthood and a decrease with practice. Furthermore, the latency of the automatic processing of conflicting information relative to the controlled processing of task-relevant information decreases relatively constantly with age. This effect is moderated by practice, that is, the relative latency of the automatic processing decreases less with age at high practice levels.
Conclusion:
As such, practice seems to be able to partially counteract age-related differences in conflict processing, on a process level.
More Related Videos
10:38A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
09:01A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance
Published on: May 7, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Information Processing Approach
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...