Age differences in depth of retrieval: Memory for foils

Abstract

Control over memory can be achieved in two ways: by constraining retrieval such that only sought after information comes to mind or, alternatively, by means of post-access monitoring. We used a memory-for-foils paradigm to gain evidence of differences in retrieval constraints. In this paradigm, participants studied words under deep or shallow encoding conditions and were given a memory test that required them to discriminate between new items (foils) and either deep or shallow targets. A final recognition test was used to examine memory for the foils. For young adults, foil memory was superior when participants attempted to retrieve deep, rather than shallow, targets on the earlier test. In contrast, older adults showed no difference in memory for foils from the two types of tests. We discuss the importance of differences in depth of retrieval processes for theories of metacognition and for understanding age-related differences in memory performance.