Flexible retrieval of semantic knowledge predicts temporal memory, but not memory for other types of context, in 4-6-year-olds

Abstract

Memory for the temporal features of past events is critical for episodic memory, however relatively little is known about temporal memory in early childhood and how temporal memory for past events may be supported by developments in semantic memory (e.g., conventional time knowledge). We examined 4- and 6-year-old children’s memory for events and two types of item-time context: temporal order and temporal association. For comparison, we included tests of other contexts: item-space context (spatial location, spatial association) and item-item association. A children’s conventional time (CCT) task was developed for use in early childhood, to assess knowledge of conventional time and flexible retrieval of that knowledge. There were age-related differences in memory accuracy for some context questions, and age-related improvements in both subtasks of the CCT. CCT flexible retrieval predicted temporal memory accuracy. This study adds to our understanding of episodic memory development in early childhood and has forensic and theoretical implications.