Category learning in older adulthood: A study of the Shepard, Hovland, and Jenkins (1961) tasks

Psychology and Aging
Rahel Rabi, John Paul Minda

Abstract

Shepard, Hovland, and Jenkins (1961) examined the categorization abilities of younger adults using tasks involving single-dimensional rule learning, disjunctive rule learning, and family resemblance learning. The current study examined category learning in older adults using this well-known category set. Older adults, like younger adults, found category tasks with a single relevant dimension the easiest to learn. In contrast to younger adults, older adults found complex disjunctive rule-based categories harder to learn than family resemblance based categories. Disjunctive rule-based category learning appeared to be the most difficult for older adults to learn because this category set placed the heaviest demands on working memory, which is known to be a cognitive function that declines with normal aging. The authors discuss why complex rule-based category learning is considered more difficult for older adults to learn relative to younger adults, drawing parallels to developmental research.

Citations

Sep 18, 2012·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·J David SmithRandolph C Grace
Mar 8, 2011·Journal of Experimental Child Psychology·Cynthia L Huang-PollockSarah L Karalunas
Feb 3, 2018·Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience·Marcus PaulOliver T Wolf
Jun 27, 2018·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Rahel RabiJohn Paul Minda
Oct 23, 2016·Neuropsychologia·Sabrina SchenkBoris Suchan

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