Age, imagery, and practice in paired-associate learning.

Elder and college-aged subjects performed a series of paired-associate tasks designed to investigate age differences in the use of mnemonic imagery as a strategy in verbal learning. Subjects were tested on three occasions at two-week intervals. Two ten-pair lists of concrete-noun paired associates were learned at each session. Standard (no-imagery), self-generated, and experimenter-provided imagery instructions were used. Results indicated that imagery instructions are quite beneficial for elders in the short run. However, elders tended not to use the strategy effectively after a two-week interval unless reminded to do so. Results also indicated that elders were capable of generating useful learning strategies on their own when given sufficient experience with the task.

From clinical and research findings on memory to intervention programs.

Memory remediation for the elderly is in its infancy. This paper reviews the etiology of memory problems in the elderly and the current difficulties in evaluating memory complaints and memory functions. Recommendations for comprehensive intervention programs are included.

Toward applying cognitive skill training to memory problems.

Four elements of a successful program of cognitive skill training for the elderly include: (a) the use of mnemonic aids for the memorization of new information; (b) the development of motivational techniques to enhance attention to materials and maintenance of cognitive skills acquired through training; (c) the design of techniques which utilize individual differences in abilities, personality, and cognitive style to enhance individual programs of cognitive skill training; and (d) the use of appropriate medical and/or psychiatric care when necessary.

Training response speed in young and elderly women.

Effectiveness of response speed training on the performance of thirty adult women was assessed. Five young and five elderly female volunteers were tested in each of three experimental conditions: (1) one training session with cognitive feedback in which participants were given response rate information (control); (2) five training sessions with cognitive feedback (practice); or (3) five training sessions with cognitive feedback in which the number of S&H green stamp units earned was directly proportional to response rate (conjugate reinforcement). Dependent variables were (a) response speed on three paper-pencil tasks, and (b) postraining performance on twelve intelligence subtests chosen as far transfer tasks. Response speed increased significantly with training in both age groups, but contrary to expectation, young adults showed greater training effects than elderly adults. No significant far transfer effects were obtained.