Examining the Relationship Between Children's Memory for Past Errors and Learning

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Students' Learning Strategies and Interventions

Abstract

Errors are common during learning, but what factors influence whether those errors are corrected? Evidence suggests an individual’s memory for their past errors may play a role. Adults are more likely to correct an error if they remember the error compared to if they do not remember the error, but little is known about children’s memory for errors. Forty-two fifth- and sixth-graders studied and were tested on their memory for math definitions. After receiving correct­answer feedback, children recalled their initial test answers. Memory for errors was positively correlated with error correction for sixth-grade, but not fifth-grade children. Results suggest that memory for errors plays a positive role in error correction, but this role may vary for children of different ages.

Authors

• Abbey M. Loehr, Washington University in St. Louis

• Lisa Fazio, Vanderbilt University

• Bethany Rittle-Johnson, Vanderbilt University