Visual working memory and ageing : do we approach cognitive tasks differently as we age?

10 Lay Summary . 14 Chapter 1: Introduction . 17 1.1 Overview . 17 1.2 Working Memory: Definitions and Concepts . 19 1.2. 1. The Multiple-Component model . 23 1.2. 1.1 The phonological loop . 28 1.2. 1.2 The visuospatial sketchpad . 30 1.2. 1.3 The central executive . 33 1.2. 1.4 The episodic buffer . 37 1.2. 2 Embedded Processes . 39 1.2. 3 TBRS (Time-Based Resource-Sharing) . 41 1.2. 4 Primary and Secondary Memory – Individual Differences . 42 1.2. 5 Resource Models: Slots vs. Precision? 44 1.2. 6. Ensemble Representations . 47 1.2. 7 WM Models: Summary . 48 1.3 Working Memory and Cognitive Ageing . 50 1.3. 1 The Processing Speed Theory of Adult Age Differences . 51 1.3. 2 The Processing Resource Model of Memory Deficits in Cognitive Aging . 52 1.3. 3 The Inhibitory Theory of Memory Deficits with Age . 53 1.3. 4 The Scaffolding Theory of Age and Cognition . 56 1.3. 5 Preventing Cognitive Decline . 57 7 1.3. 6 Non-Cognitive Theories of Cognitive Decline . 59 1.4 Individual differences in Cognitive Abilities: Do they decline at the same rate with age? 60 1.4. 1 Do Visual Abilities Decline more than Verbal Abilities with Age? 62 1.5 Strategy Use: Verbalisation of visual information? 65 1.6 Rejecting the ‘Dull Hypothesis’ . 69 1.7 The Experimental Approach . 71 1.8 Development of Thesis Research Rationale . 72 1.9 Overview of Current Research . 74 Chapter 2: Aging and feature-binding in Visual Working Memory: The role of verbal rehearsal . 77 Abstract . 77 Introduction . 79 Experiment 1 . 89 Methods . 90 Results . 98 Discussion . 104 Experiment 2 . 106 Methods . 107 Results . 109 Discussion . 114 Experiment 3 . 116 Methods . 117 8 Results . 118 Discussion . 123 General Discussion . 124 Conclusion . 135 Chapter 3: Change-Detection . 137 Aims . 137 Introduction . 140 Method . 141 Results . 145 Discussion . 149 Chapter 4: Cognitive Aging and Verbal Labelling in Continuous Visual Memory 152 Aims . 152 Abstract . 156 Introduction . 157 Methods . 168 Results . 179 Discussion . 191 General Discussion . 198 Chapter 5: Strategic Mediation in Working Memory Training in Younger and Older Adults . 202 Aims . 202 Abstract . 205 Introduction . 206 Method . 217 9 Results . 227 Discussion . 249 Chapter 6: Conclusion . 261 6.1 Summary of Results . 261 6.2 Implications . 266 6.2. 1. Implications for the Feature-Binding Literature . 267 6.2. 2. Implications for continuous WM literature . 269 6.2. 3. Implications for the Cognitive Training Literature . 270 6.2. 4. Implications for the ‘Dull Hypothesis’ . 271 6.3 Limitations . 273 6.4 Theoretical Implications? 280 6.5 Final Conclusions . 282 References . 285 Appendix A: Supplementary data and analyses for Chapter 2: Aging and featurebinding in Visual Working Memory: The role of verbal rehearsal . 354 Appendix B: Supplementary data and analyses for Chapter 3: Change-Detection . 382 Appendix C: Supplementary data and analyses for Chapter 4: Cognitive Aging and Verbal Labeling in Continuous Visual Memory . 385 Appendix D: Supplementary data and analyses for Chapter 5: Strategic Mediation in Working Memory Training in Younger and Older Adults . 402