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Poster #5 - Development of memory for associations to similar versus distinct objects

Fri, March 22, 2:30 to 3:45pm, Baltimore Convention Center, Floor: Level 1, Exhibit Hall B

Integrative Statement

The level of detail stored in memory is crucial for children’s development because it allows for more computational flexibility. We investigated memory formation for detailed memories at 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 years of age (Experiment 1) and at 4.5 years of age (Experiment 2). Children learned associations between specific puppets (Mr. Raccoon and Mr. Bunny) and highly similar or distinct objects. They then participated in a memory test for the associations after a 15-min delay in Experiment 1 and after 24-hour delay in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, children (N=26 in each age group) exhibited equally high retention for associations from individual puppets to distinct objects regardless of age. Means ranged from 82.69% to 100%. In contrast, memory for the similar object associations was at chance at 3.5 years of age, t(25) = .85, p = .40, but exceeded chance responding by age 4.5 years, t(25) = 3.61, p = .001. In Experiment 2, 4.5-year-old children (N=18) showed high retention for associations to distinct objects over a 24-hour delay, M=81%. However, retention of associations to similar objects decreased to chance responding over the 24-hour delay, t(17) = .77, p = .45. Although children showed stable memory for distinct and similar object associations at 15-min delay, and excellent retention for distinct objects over a 24-hour delay, their memory was not strong enough to sustain similar object associations at a 24-hour delay.

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