Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire: a comparison of young and older adults

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Subjective memory complaints are common across age groups.
• The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) is a standard measure of subjective memory.
• The MMQ's factor structure and psychometric properties have not been validated in young adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To independently replicate the MMQ factor structure in young and older adults.
• To assess the age-invariance of the MMQ using measurement invariance testing.
• To examine the psychometric properties of the MMQ in young adults.

Main Methods:

• Replicated the MMQ factor structure in 408 young adults and 327 older adults.
• Utilized measurement invariance testing to assess age-invariance.
• Compared MMQ scale ratings (Satisfaction, Ability, Strategies) between age groups.

Main Results:

• The original MMQ factor structure was replicated in older adults but not in young adults.
• Young adults reported higher satisfaction and strategy use than older adults; ability ratings were similar.
• Measurement invariance was not supported, indicating the MMQ functions differently across age groups.

Conclusions:

• The MMQ's factor structure is not equivalent across young and older adults.
• Researchers should consider modifying the MMQ for young adults or using alternative measures for cross-age comparisons.
• The findings highlight the need for age-appropriate psychometric tools in memory research.