Work

Age differences in generalization, memory specificity, and their overnight fate in childhood

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Memory enables generalization to new situations, and memory specificity that preserves individual episodes. This study investigated generalization, memory specificity, and their overnight fate in 141 4- to 8-year-olds (computerized memory game; 71 females, tested 2020-2021 in Germany). The results replicated age effects in generalization and memory specificity, and a contingency of generalization on object conceptual properties and interobject semantic proximity. Age effects were stronger in generalization than in memory specificity, and generalization was more closely linked to the explicit regularity knowledge in older than in younger children. After an overnight delay, older children retained more generalized and specific memories and showed greater gains but only in generalization. These findings reveal distinct age differences in generalization and memory specificity across childhood.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14089

Authors: Elisa S Buchberger, Ann-Kathrin Joechner, Chi T Ngo, Ulman Lindenberger, Markus Werkle-Bergner

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Human Development, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Memory Processes and Influences

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Jacobs Foundation