Effects of cognitive training and testing on intellectual efficacy beliefs in elderly adults.
Elderly adults (N = 116; average age = 73 years) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups varying in the amount of training and testing on fluid intelligence tests. They were compared before and after treatment on self-efficacy and utility beliefs for intelligence tests and everyday competence. Although both ability training and extended retest practice resulted in significant gains in objective test performance (Baltes, Kliegl, & Dittmann-Kohli, 1988), only ability training resulted in positive changes in self-efficacy. However, these changes were restricted to test-related self-efficacy. Training had no impact on perceived utility or on everyday self-efficacy beliefs. Implications of the results are discussed with regard to interventions to increase intellectual self-efficacy in elderly persons.
Dittmann-Kohli
F
F
Max Planck Institute for Human Development and Education, Berlin, Germany.
Lachman
M E
ME
Kliegl
R
R
Baltes
P B
PB
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D003071:Cognition; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept