When knowing is not enough: The role of memory beliefs in prose recall of older and younger adults

Abstract

Memory beliefs and memory performance of older and younger adults were compared and the relationship between them examined. Both general metamemory (knowledge and self-efficacy) and specific attributions tied to a prose memory task were examined in 40 younger (mean Age = 23 years) and 40 older (mean Age = 73 years) adults. General metamemory was assessed using the MIA questionnaire, while specific attributional questions were modelled after Lachman. Free recall of narrative or expository prose was the criterion task. Older adults seem to have internalised a low sense of memory self-efficacy, as demonstrated by the MIA and more internal performance attributions. The narrative was judged more understandable than the expository text. It was remembered equally well by both groups and better than the expository text. Younger and older adults were equally satisfied with their actual performance and equally knowledgeable about the memory system, despite older adults' reduced memory self-efficacy. General memory self-efficacy, rather than memory knowledge or specific attributions, together with text comprehension predicted performance. Both task characteristics and enduring memory beliefs are important in memory performance.