Differential effects of a list-learning mnemonic in three age groups

The effectiveness of a list-learning mnemonic was assessed across a wide range of ages. Young, middle-aged, and older adults attended a 3-day course in which a modified version of the method of loci was taught. Tests of free recall were administered at the beginning and end of the course. All three age groups displayed significantly better recall following instruction in the mnemonic than they did initially; however, the amount of improvement was less in older subjects than younger ones. These results, though indicating the mnemonic to be effective for young and old alike, suggest the development of encoding and retrieval deficits with age.