Memory for grocery prices in younger and older adults: the role of schematic support.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Non-randomized cross-sectional comparative laboratory study between age cohorts (graded by design analogy).
PubMed 16420146 · doi:10.1037/0882-7974.20.4.718
What was done
Younger and older adults completed a laboratory memory task where they studied grocery items paired with prices set at market value (realistic) or well above/below market value (unrealistic). The study compared recall accuracy for specific prices and general price ranges between the two age groups.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, confidence intervals, or statistical test metrics. Directionally, younger adults had better recall performance than older adults for unrealistic grocery prices, but there was no age difference in recall for realistic prices, and both groups were equally accurate at recalling the general price ranges of the items.
Why it matters
This study shows that age-related associative memory deficits are reduced or absent when older adults can rely on pre-existing knowledge and schematic support using familiar, naturalistic materials.
Limits
The abstract does not provide the sample size, participant demographics, exclusion criteria, or any numerical data (such as recall accuracy rates or effect sizes). The laboratory recall paradigm may not reflect broader real-world financial memory or decision-making.
Cited by
- supports Older adults remember plausible prices consistent with their schemas but rapidly forget implausible prices, whereas younger adults fail to selectively filter information in this way.