Modification of concept identification performance in older adults.

Abstract

A sequential training procedure combining operant and cumulative learning hierarchy principles was found effective in reducing the decrement in concept identification performance typically observed in older adults. Subjects aged 63 to 83 years were given a pretest and posttest, each involving a three-category unidimensional concept identification problem. The training and reinforced training subjects were given three training sessions between pretest and posttest. Training involved a programmed learning sequence designed to facilitate the development of an effective solution strategy. Control subjects were given only the pretest and posttest, while practice subjects were given three additional practice sessions. Substantial improvement was found in both the training and reinforced training groups, but only slight improvement obtained in the practice and control groups. These results were considered consistent with recent conceptions of cognitive and intellectual development in the older adult in which performance deficits are largely attributed to experiential factors.