Canadian Edition
Susan Krauss Whitbourne
Stacey B. Whitbourne
Candace Konnert
Chapter 6
Basic Cognitive Functions:
Information Processing, Attention, and Memory
Processing speed and attention
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Push f button
on keyboard
when you see
red “N”
Simple reaction time task
Make response as soon as
target appears
Choice reaction task
Make one response for one
stimulus and another for a
different stimulus
Push f button
on keyboard
when you see
red “N” and j
button when
you see green
“N”
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General slowing hypothesis proposes loss of speed in nervous
system is main cause of poorer information processing
As the task becomes
more difficult older
adults take MUCH
longer
Source: Sliwinski, M. J., & Hall, C. B. (1998). Constraints on general slowing: A meta-analysis using hierarchical linear models with random coefficients. Psychology and Aging, 13, 169. American
Psychological Association. Reprinted with permission.
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Processing speed and attention
Visual search tasks require that observer locate a specific target among
set of distractors.
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There are two contrasting approaches to aging and attention
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Studies on video games are showing attentional advantages:
Young adults:
Improved attentional capacity
Faster reaction time
Peripheral attention
Ability to process rapidly changing stream of information
Keeping track of multiple targets
Improving Useful Field of View
Older adults:
Newer studies showing benefits as well
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Driving and Aging
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Younger vs. older drivers:
Younger drivers:
+ Have faster response times
- More likely to drink and drive
- More likely to drive while distracted
Older drivers:
+ More experience
+ Self-regulate
- Difficulty with left turns
- Difficulty merging or yielding
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Biopsychosocial view of driving and aging
Psychology
Internal distractions
causing anxiety
Biology
Changes in vision and
reaction time
Sociocultural
Driving necessary to live
independently
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Figure 6.5
CAA Simple
Driving
Assessment
for Seniors
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Canada
Source: Canadian Automobile Association.
(n.d.).
Seniors Driving Simple Driving Assessment. Retrieved
from http://seniorsdriving.caa.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/en/Simple%20Driving%20Assessment.pdf
Figure 6.5
CAA Simple
Driving
Assessment
for Seniors
Source: Canadian Automobile Association. (n.d.). Seniors Driving Simple Driving Assessment. Retrieved
from http://seniorsdriving.caa.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/en/Simple%20Driving%20Assessment.pdf
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Figure 6.5
CAA Simple
Driving
Assessment
for Seniors
Source: Canadian Automobile Association. (n.d.). Seniors Driving Simple Driving Assessment. Retrieved
from http://seniorsdriving.caa.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/en/Simple%20Driving%20Assessment.pdf
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Aging airline pilots may be safer
• Fewer accidents (fatal and nonfatal)
• Take better advantage of training sessions
• More likely to identify complex situations
Air traffic controllers may also benefit
from their greater experience
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Memory
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Brain’s default network in older adults
Decreased activation and less deactivation
during memory tasks
However, high-functioning older adults may
be able to draw on default network during
working memory tasks
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Effects of Aging on Long-Term Memory in Adulthood
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Aging and long-term memory scorecard
Abilities that decline
Abilities that do not
decline
Episodic memory
Source memory
False memory
Tip-of-the-tongue (names)
Prospective memory
Flashbulb memory
Semantic memory
Procedural memory
Implicit memory
Autobiographical memory
(“reminiscence bump”)
Source: image100/Age Fotostock America, Inc.
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Social Cognition and Aging
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Identity, Self-Efficacy, Stereotype Threat,
and Control Beliefs
Source: DNY59/iStockphoto
Stereotype threat: an evoked fear of being judged in accordance with
a negative stereotype about a group of which you belong
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Memory is also related to health-related behaviors in
middle and later adulthood
Cigarette smoking
Poorer memory among smokers
and former smokers
Exercise
Positive benefits of aerobic
exercise and strength training
Consumption of fish
Lower rate of cognitive decline in
fish eaters
Metabolic factors
Lower levels of IGF-1 associated
with better memory
Dietary intake of:
Vitamins B12, B6, and folate
Homocysteine, or meat (negative)
Flavonoids including chocolate
Emotions
Stress and depression can interfere
with memory performance
Gingko boloba
No benefits
Sleep
Related to better memory but only
in young adults
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Memory training studies show benefits for older adults
•
•
Strategy training
Support during encoding
•
•
Training that taps into areas of expertise
Method of loci training altered white matter density
Source: Optale, G., Urgesi, C., Busato, V., Marin, S., Piron, L., Priftis, K., . . . Bordin, A. (2010). Controlling memory impairment in elderly adults using virtual reality
memory training: A randomized controlled pilot study. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 24, 348–357. doi: 10.1177/1545968309353328. Reprinted by Permission of
SAGE Publications.
Virtual reality helped older adults by simulating walking through various destinations
while playing soothing music.
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ACTIVE study
•
•
•
•
2800 adults 65-94
2 year period, 10 sessions, 1 hour each, 5-6 weeks
Memory, reasoning, or speed of processing
Improvements shown by 87% (reasoning), 74% (speed), and
26% (memory)
• Gains maintained for 2 years (and counting)
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