[Memory performance and general achievement motivation in the aged]

Memory achievement is generally confounded with motivational factors in memory research. Therefore, the interpretation of age specific differences in recall renders difficult. The effect of a mnemonic device (method of loci) on recall is studied in a multitrial free recall experiment with 48 seniors aged from 60 to 92. Recall, performance in "Pauli"-tasks as an indicator of general achievement motivation, and subjective organization are measured. The experiment is planned as a three-factorial randomized group design with the factors "mnemonic device", "age", and "concreteness of learning material". The mnemonic device has a strong effect on recall as well as on performance "Pauli"-tasks. Its effect on recall is attributed to the increased achievement motivation.