Visual memory: adult age differences in map recall and learning strategies.

Age differences in two aspects of map learning performance were examined: the amounts of material recalled and the reported learning strategies of young, middle-aged, and elderly adults were compared. Thirty women in each age group (mean ages 21, 43, and 69) learned three groups of eight landmarks on a single street map. Subjects learned one group of landmarks in each of three trial blocks; cumulative retention tests followed learning of each group of landmarks. After the session, subjects described their learning strategies. The age groups differed significantly in mean numbers of landmarks recalled; although age groups also differed significantly in the types of strategies reportedly used, the age group difference in reported learning strategy type did not account for the age group difference in recall performance. It was concluded that the age difference in map learning performance reflected either an age difference in ability or in reaction to the learning situation.