Differential age effects on attention-based inhibition: inhibitory tagging and inhibition of return.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether 2 forms of attentional inhibition, inhibition of return (IOR) and inhibitory tagging, are differentially affected by the aging process. The authors tested 24 younger adults (mean age = 22 years) and 24 older adults (mean age = 69 years) on a combined IOR and Stroop task (Vivas & Fuentes, 2001). As predicted, younger adults' performance was consistent with inhibitory tagging of objects at inhibited locations. Although older adults demonstrated intact IOR, there was no evidence of inhibitory tagging. The results suggest that age deficits in inhibition are selective.
Langley
Linda K
LK
Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, 115 Miniard Hall, Fargo, ND 58105, USA. linda.langley@ndsu.edu
Vivas
Ana B
AB
Fuentes
Luis J
LJ
Bagne
Angela G
AG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014796:Visual Perception