Memory processes are an integral component of the information-processing viewpoint of cognitive development. One type of memory, recall memory, has been found to improve dramatically with age. Four explanations have been offered. Name and evaluate each of these explanations

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An increase in memory capacity is one proposed explanation. Evidence does not support the hypothesis that there is an increase in actual physical capacity of memory with age, but it does support the view that children become more efficient information processors with age, leaving more space in working memory for other cognitive activities--and better allowing for recall memory. Increased use of memory strategies is another explanation that has been offered for the increased recall memory of older children. Evidence indicates that older children are more likely to spontaneously use a memory strategy at the time of storage and at retrieval and are more likely to utilize the most efficient strategy. Another explanation offered is that older children have greater metamemory. It has been shown that they are more aware of the limits of their memory and that certain strategies are more helpful than others. Evidence suggests that while metamemory does improve with age, good metamemory is not required for good recall, and good metamemory does not guarantee good recall. Metamemory does confer an advantage to actual recall behavior when the child understands why a particular strategy is effective and when it will be advantageous to use it. A fourth explanation argues that older children show better recall than younger ones because they have a broader knowledge base and hence, are likely to be more familiar with the material to be retained. Evidence also indicates that familiarity and knowledge about the material to be remembered does improve recall, independent of the age of the individual. A knowledgeable child will recall more than a less knowledgeable adult about material related to that knowledge base. Since older children do, in general, know more, they are likely to exhibit better recall in most content areas. In sum, there is some support for a contribution of all four factors to the improved recall memory of older children. There is no one "best" explanation.