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Aging, digit span, and the stimulus suffix effect
Journal of Gerontology
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Memory interference from auditory stimuli decreases with larger digit spans in college students. Aging effects on short-term memory are linked to memory span factors.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Memory
Background:
- The stimulus suffix effect demonstrates auditory interference in short-term memory.
- Previous research suggests age-related memory decline is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between digit span and stimulus suffix effects.
- To compare suffix effects in young and older adults.
Main Methods:
- College students and older adults participated in memory tasks.
- Auditory stimulus suffix was presented after lists of items to remember.
- Digit span was measured for all participants.
Main Results:
- Interference from the stimulus suffix decreased as digit span increased in college students.
- Suffix effects were comparable between young and older adults with similar digit spans.
Conclusions:
- Memory span is a key factor in understanding age-related differences in short-term memory.
- The influence of aging on memory tasks can be largely explained by memory span limitations.