Memory perceptions and memory performance in older adults
Date
1987
Authors
Gutman, Marina Pearl
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The possibility that memory performance decrements in older persons may be related to subjective knowledge and perceptions about memory was investigated, in a sample of 185 male and 191 female, community-dwelling volunteers aged 54-93. This subjective information, often termed "metamemory", was assessed using the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire which measures strategy use, knowledge of task demand» and memory capacity, perceptions of memory as stable or subject to change, and memory-related state anxiety, achievement motivation and locus of control. Nine memory tests, adapted for use with older persons, were employed. MIA administration order was varied to determine the influence of having just completed memory tests on perceptions. No order effects were found. Significant age differences were found on perceptions of change and on achievement motivation. Anxiety and Change were the best predictors of -performance, a finding discrepant with earlier work. Some evidence is provided for domain-specificity in metamemory/memory relationships, and for differences between late middle-aged adults and individuals in their 80s and 90s.