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Current Studies

Investigating the Role of Meta-Memory in Source Monitoring

     The purpose of this study is to examine the developmental relations between source monitoring and meta-memory in 4-, 6-, and 8-year-old children. In particular, we are interested in studying the contribution of meta-memory to children’s ability to store and retrieve information about an event.

     For the current study children participate in three main tasks. The first task is a computer-animated show, wherein three characters shop for items in a store. Following this show, children are asked how well they think they will remember which characters bought which items, and how sure they are of the accuracy of their responses. In the second task children participate in a short interview about their knowledge and understanding of memory and memory processes (questions about memory and how memory works). The third task requires children to complete a short picture-word game.

 

The Influence of Distracter Items on Source Monitoring Performance in 4-year-olds

     The purpose of this study is to examine the development of source monitoring in 4-year-olds. In particular, we are interested in the influence of distracter items on source monitoring performance, as well as how and when children are able to discriminate levels of certainty for source attributions.

     In the current study children are asked to watch a puppet show consisting of two characters shopping for items in a store. Following this show, children are given a source memory test and asked to recall which items each character purchased during the puppet show, as well as their level of confidence for each.

 

Source Monitoring: Does the Generation Effect Help 4-year-olds?

     The purpose of this study is to examine the development of source monitoring in young children. In particular, we are interested in exploring ways to help 4-year-olds to more accurately remember source.

     In the current study children watch a computer-animated show in which two animal characters pack items for a vacation. One group of children simply watch animated characters choose items for a vacation, while a second group actively choose the items for each character. Following this show, children are given a source memory test, and asked to recall which items were packed by each character, as well as their level of confidence for each.