Abstract
Dijkstra, K. & Kaup, B. (in press). Mechanisms of autobiographical memory
retrieval in younger and older adults. Memory & Cognition.
This study compared retrieval of autobiographical memories within or without the
context of a lifetime period and between younger and older adults. Results of
two experiments demonstrated that memories were more accessible for younger and
older adults when retrieved within a time-period context than without such context.
However, when the retrieval context was more constrained and limited to cue word
memories, the benefit of retrieval context disappeared. Results also suggested
that compared to younger adults, older adults were more likely to selectively
retain memories with distinctive characteristics, such as being self-relevant
and emotionally intense, particularly when remote memories were involved.
Barbara Kaup