title: That's a good one! Belief in efficacy of mnemonic strategies contributes to age-related increase in associative memory.
abstract: The development of associative memory during childhood may be influenced by metacognitive factors. Here, one aspect of metamemory function--belief in strategy efficacy-was tested for a role in the effective use of encoding strategies. A sample of 61 children and adults (8-25 years of age) completed an associative recognition memory test and were assessed on belief in the efficacy of encoding strategies. Independent of age, belief ratings identified two factors: "deep" and "shallow" encoding strategies. Although the strategy factor structure was stable across age, adolescents and adults were more likely to prefer using a deep encoding strategy, whereas children were equally likely to prefer a shallow strategy. Belief ratings of deep encoding strategies increased with age and, critically, accounted for better associative recognition.
authors: Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors: Ana M
authors: AM
authors: Daugherty
authors: Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address: noa.ofen@wayne.edu.
authors: Noa
authors: N
authors: Ofen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001245:Association Learning; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Associative memory; Cognitive development; Episodic memory; Metamemory; Strategy efficacy; Strategy preference