Developmental sensitivity to temporal grouping effects in short-term memory

Author(s): Hitch, G. J., Skeates, S.

Journal/Book: Int J Behav Dev. 1999; 23: 27 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2FA, East Sussex, England. Psychology Press. 391-411.

Abstract: Four experiments investigate developmental changes in the effect of providing time-based cues to lists for immediate recall. Data both provide a context for adult research and have implications for children's memory processes. Sets of letters (Experiments 1-3) or numbers (Experiment 4) were presented to children with either regular inter-item temporal intervals (ungrouped lists) or pauses to segment sets (grouped lists). Experiment 1 indicated a developmental shift between 4 and 8 years of age, with an increasing recall benefit from temporal group structure for visually presented fixed-length lists. Experiment 2 confirmed the developmental shift with visual presentation using a span procedure, with sensitivity to temporal grouping becoming apparent by the age of 8 years. Experiments 3 and 4 revealed a similar developmental pattern with a span procedure using auditory stimuli. In summary, children capitalise on pauses in visual and auditory material at approximately the same age. There was no evidence that auditory presentation induces a fundamentally different grouping process or precocious strategy use, contrary to some previous accounts. Data are most consistent with the argument that grouping is a relatively late-developing, strategic process.

Note: Article Towse JN, Univ London Royal Holloway & Bedford New Coll, Dept Psychol, Egham TW20 0EX, Surrey, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): WORKING-MEMORY; WORD-LENGTH; DIGIT SPAN; REHEARSAL; CHILDREN; SPEECH; RECALL; AGE; STORAGE

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