Age differences in implicit and explicit associative memory: Exploring elaborative processing effects

Research in memory processes suggests implicit memory is more resistant to the effects of aging than explicit memory. Two experiments examined how var iations in level of processing affect memory for novel word-pair associatio ns across age groups. The results indicate that new learning may rely on so me degree of elaborate and even explicit processing and that older adults s how deficits in any,form of new learning. Explicit associative memory benef ited from elaborative processing for both age groups and age differences ap peared to relate to overall working-memory capacity rather than effective u se of elaborative processes. These results support a model of associative m emory that distinguishes automatic unconscious processes versus conscious c ontrolled processes in which older adults exhibit deficits in associative m emory tasks that actually rely on consciously controlled processes.