Dk. Gilbert et Wa. Rogers, Age-related differences in the acquisition, utilization, and extension of a spatial mental model, J GERONT B, 54(4), 1999, pp. P246-P255
Citations number
31
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science","Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
The acquisition, utilization, and extension of a spatial mental model were
assessed for young and older adults. The model consisted of a map with nine
buildings. In acquisition, 91% of the young adults and 62% of the older ad
ults were able to acquire the mental model as determined by a strict criter
ion. There were age differences ill trials required to reach criterion. How
ever, once acquired the older adults were able to utilize their mental mode
l as well as the young adults, with the exception of questions that were ta
xing on working memory. Both age groups were also able to extend their ment
al model to 16 buildings, and then utilize this extended model. Individual
differences in working memory and fluid intelligence were related to succes
sful acquisition of the mental model.