COMPARING GAINS AND LOSSES: EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF INCENTIVES ON WORKING MEMORY CAPACITY IN OLDER ADULTS
2024
Effects of Incentives on Memory in Older Adults
Sample size: 75
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Julie Pham, Holly Bowen
Primary Institution: Southern Methodist University
Hypothesis
Do older adults prioritize gains or losses differently while completing a spatial working memory task?
Conclusion
Using either rewards or loss incentives does not significantly improve working memory capacity in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Aging is linked to declines in working memory.
- Previous studies focused mainly on reward incentives.
- Limited research exists on loss avoidance incentives.
- Older adults may prioritize conserving resources as they age.
Takeaway
This study looked at how older people remember things when they are given rewards or told they might lose something. It found that both types of incentives work similarly.
Methodology
Older adults completed a spatial working memory task under reward and loss avoidance conditions.
Limitations
The study may not generalize beyond the specific tasks and incentives used.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 60 and above.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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