Abstract
Image generation is one component of mental imagery, and consists in the activation of stored visual information in long-term memory to sequentially create a temporary pattern on a visuospatial short-term memory display. Little is known about the fate of image generation over the human life span. In the present study, 165 healthy participants aged 18 to 80 years were enrolled for an image generation task to image an uppercase letter in response to its lowercase version displayed as the cue, and to decide if a displayed probe would be near to or on the image. Uppercase letters were simple versus complex, and the probe appeared in a region of the uppercase letter that is generated early versus late. Comparative analyses (ANOVAs) on accuracy and correct latency confirmed the sequential nature of image generation, and showed a detrimental and linear effect of aging only on the activation subprocess. Structural analyses (LISREL) revealed, however, that these effects of age were entirely mediated by inhibition mechanisms, speed of processing, and working memory.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
