Instruction, induction, generation, and evaluation of strategies for solving search problems.

Two experiments found that older adults can execute efficient strategies for search problems when instructed in their use. They continue to use these strategies after instruction and transfer their use to similar problems. The results did not support the contention that older adults can be led to discover efficient strategies by manipulation of salient stimulus features such as color. It seemed likely that age differences in search performance were due to deficiencies in strategy production. A third experiment directly examined the generation and evaluation of strategies by younger and older adults. Age differences were localized in optimal strategies; older adults were less likely to generate or use optimal strategies and rated them as less informative than did younger adults.