title: False memory in aging resulting from self-referential processing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Referencing the self is known to enhance accurate memory, but less is known about how the strategy affects false memory, particularly for highly self-relevant information. Because older adults are more prone to false memories, we tested whether self-referencing increased false memories with age.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2 studies, older and younger adults rated adjectives for self-descriptiveness and later completed a surprise recognition test comprised of words rated previously for self-descriptiveness and novel lure words. Lure words were subsequently rated for self-descriptiveness in order to assess the impact of self-relevance on false memory. Study 2 introduced commonness judgments as a control condition, such that participants completed a recognition test on adjectives rated for commonness in addition to adjectives in the self-descriptiveness condition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across both studies, findings indicate an increased response bias to self-referencing that increased hit rates for both older and younger adults but also increased false alarms as information became more self-descriptive, particularly for older adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the present study supports previous literature showing a boost in memory for self-referenced information, the increase in false alarms, especially in older adults, highlights the potential for memory errors, particularly for information that is strongly related to the self.
authors.affiliation: Correspondence should be addressed to Nicole M. Rosa, MSW, Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, MS 062, Waltham, MA 02454-9110. E-mail: nrosa@brandeis.edu. nrosa@brandeis.edu.
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.forename: Angela H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Gutchess
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aging; False memory; Self-reference.