Free Association as a Mnemonic Device for Retention in Younger/Older People

• Main Author: Tompkins, Alfred A.
• Other Authors: Jeffrey, Dwight W.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: North Texas State University 1977
• Subjects: free association; mnemonic aids; immediate retention; memory loss; Age and intelligence.; Learning ability.; Association of ideas.; Memory.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc663665/

The purpose of this study was to determine whether and to what extent free association following exposure to written material would affect the memory of that material, and whether the effect upon memory would vary with age of the subject. A test of learning (immediate retention) resulted in a significant difference in performance between young and old women--the older learning less. Free association was not found to be significant as a mnemonic aid to either age group, and was compared with characteristics of other more common mnemonics. Suggestions for additional research are discussed.