The effects of memory skills training and incentives on free recall in older learners

Article Abstract:

External rewards increase learning in the classroom, but it also seems that the relationship between reward and learning is more complicated. In one study, a $10 reward for first place offered to university undergraduates did not increase learning, although this may be because the reward was distracting the students from the task by raising anxiety. There is little research of the effects of a reward on learning by older adults, even though some researchers think that the performance differences between the old and the young may result from the adult's lack of motivation to perform tasks in a laboratory. An external reward was thought to be a remedy for this problem. In one study, rewards of 0, 5, or 50 cents for each word recalled resulted in no difference in recall. Another study offered a $5 reward for perfect performance, but performance was not affected. However, it is likely that the nominal value of the reward was not enough to sufficiently motivate those tested. This study selected 60 volunteers aged 60 or older, who were interested in travel during the next year, to take part in a memory improvement program. The incentive was two free airline tickets, offered by lottery. A lottery ticket was earned for each correct answer. Two groups received memory skills training, and half of them were offered the incentive. Two other groups were not offered training, and again, half were offered the incentive. Skills training improved scores overall, and the incentive helps performance even without training, suggesting that older adults already have skills that they do not usually use to retrieve newly learned information. In the case of the group that received training and then the incentive, the incentive did not improve increase recall further. Other research suggests that the larger the incentive, the more likely it is to influence performance. Because of the expense, a lottery system such as this one may be a good alternative when working with older people. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Study and teaching, Memory in old age, Old age memory

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Filial responsibility expectations among adult child-older parent pairs

Article Abstract:

More adult children are experiencing the obligations and privileges of filial duties, the duties of the child to his or her parents. But the attitudes and behaviors expected of children by the parents and by the children themselves have not been clarified. Studies have shown that the sense of filial responsibility was strong although the expectations concerning specific filial role activities differed between parents and children. The sense of filial responsibility was explored among 144 elderly parent-adult child pairs. Most subjects (parents and children) felt that the filial role consisted of extensive emotional support and discussion of important matters and available resources. Both parents and children felt that it was less important to live close by and write letters to parents on a weekly basis. In comparison with their children, parents tended to disapprove more of receiving financial assistance from their children, living with their children, and having their children change their work schedule to be able to help their parents. The results show that there was a moderate level of agreement between parents and children concerning expectations for filial responsibilities. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Telecommunications systems, Family, Parent and child, Parent-child relations

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Conservation of energy, uncertainty reduction, and swift utilization of medical care among the elderly

Article Abstract:

The age differences in the timing of the decision to seek medical care were compared in a cohort of middle-aged or 40- to 55-year-old patients and a cohort of older patients aged 65 and over. The older cohort was found to seek medical care quicker especially for symptoms thought to be of uncertain seriousness. Moreover, higher level of avoidance behavior was found more in middle-aged than in older subjects.

Research, Medical care, Medical care utilization, Health behavior, Health attitudes

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