The Effects of Age-Related Slowing and Working Memory on Asymptotic Recognition Performance |
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| Authors: | Paul Verhaeghen |
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| Institution: | 1. NHMRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit , the Australian National University, and ,;2. Department of Community Medicine , University of Cambridge ,;3. Department of Psychiatry , University of Cambridge , |
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| Abstract: | In a study of 46 younger and 44 older adults, time-accuracy curves were derived for recognition of verbal stimuli. An asymptotic age effect was found, indicating that older adults were ultimately unable to achieve the level of performance of the younger adults. Path analysis showed that the asymptotic age difference could be well accounted for by perceptual speed and to a lesser extent by inspection time. The effects of inhibition (as measured through Stroop tasks) were negligible. Importantly, working memory did not mediate between age and asymptotic recognition performance, indicating that if a simultaneity mechanism is at work in asymptotic age differences in recognition memory, it is simple and purely time dependent rather than dependent on coordinative abilities. |
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