Project Momokid 2.0

Memory consolidation of intentionally and incidentally learned information in relation to prior knowledge A comparison between children and young adults

Events that are congruent or incongruent with prior knowledge can aid memory in different ways. Our previous work (Memokid) unexpectedly found a positive effect of incongruent information on long-term memory in children compared to young adults after adaptive repeated learning procedures.

However, the extent to which strategic or incidental learning may influence the efficiency of memory consolidation of events over time, and how the temporal dynamics of this process differ in children compared to adults, remains to be investigated. Furthermore, little is known about the extent to which the relationship between socioeconomic status and the consolidation of long-term memory in children is modulated by the learning process (e.g., by the reinforcement or compensation of individual differences in memory performance through the use of strategies).

Selected Publications

Brod, G., & Shing, Y. L. (2019). A boon and a bane: Comparing the effects of prior knowledge on memory across the lifespan. Developmental Psychology, 55(6), 1326–1337. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000712

Schommartz, I., Lembcke, P. F., Schuetz, H., de Chamorro, N. W., Bauer, M., Kaindl, A. M., Buss, C., & Shing, Y. L. (2021). From learning to remembering: How memory consolidation differs in term and preterm born children from young adults. BioRxiv, 2021.08.24.457558. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.08.24.457558

Shing, Y. L., Werkle-Bergner, M., Brehmer, Y., Müller, V., Li, S.-C., & Lindenberger, U. (2010). Episodic memory across the lifespan: The contributions of associative and strategic components. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 34(7), 1080–1091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.11.002