More data-driven processing at retrieval reduces age-related memory deficits.
The environmental support hypothesis postulates that it may be possible to reduce older adults' deficits in episodic memory by providing environmental support at the encoding and/or retrieval phases. To examine the validity of this hypothesis, we varied the amount of retrieval support by manipulating data-driven processes. Young and older adults performed a word-stem cued recall task under a low data-driven condition (LDDC) in which the retrieval cue comprised 3 letters, and a higher data-driven condition (HDDC) in which the cue comprised 4 letters. Older adults benefitted more than younger adults from the additional support. Older adults exhibited a large deficit relative to younger adults in the LDDC condition but no age differences were found in the HDDC condition. These findings demonstrate that age-related memory deficits can be reduced by increasing the environmental support at retrieval associated with the data-driven component of retrieval processing.
Angel
Lucie
L
Department of Psychology, François Rabelais University, Tours Cedex 1, France. lucieangel@yahoo.fr
Fay
Séverine
S
Bouazzaoui
Badiâa
B
Isingrini
Michel
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D011930:Reaction Time; D012153:Retention, Psychology