Modifying memory for a museum tour in older adults reactivation-related updating that enhances and distorts memory is reduced in aging.pdf (860.28 kB)
Modifying memory for a museum tour in older adults: reactivation-related updating that enhances and distorts memory is reduced in ageing
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 05:16 authored by Peggy L St Jacques, Daniel Montgomery, Daniel L SchacterMemory reactivation, the activation of a latent memory trace when we are reminded of a past experience, strengthens memory but can also contribute to distortions if new information present during reactivation is integrated with existing memory. In a previous study in young adults (St. Jacques & Schacter, 2013; Psychological Science) we found that the quality of memory reactivation, manipulated using the principle of encoding specificity and indexed by recollection ratings, modulated subsequent true and false memories for events experienced during a museum tour. Here, we examined age-related changes in the quality of memory reactivation on subsequent memory. Young and older adults reactivated memories for museum stops immediately followed by the presentation of a novel lure photo from an alternate tour version (i.e., reactivation plus new information). There was an increase in subsequent true memories for reactivated targets and for subsequent false memories for lures that followed reactivated targets, when compared to baseline target and lure photos. However, the influence of reactivation on subsequent memories was reduced in older adults. These data reveal that aging alters reactivation-related updating processes that allow memories to be strengthened and updated with new information- consequently reducing memory distortions in older compared to young adults.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
MemoryISSN
0965-8211Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
6Volume
23Page range
876-887Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-02-22First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-02-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-02-22Usage metrics
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