The first goal of our research is to understand the role that basic attentional processes play in the ability to understand language and remember events.
Inhibition has three functions which are all directed at the contents of working memory.
The Hasher and Zacks viewpoint also assumes that this inhibition mechanism is less efficient in older adults leading to deficiencies in learning, retrieval and comprehension. Consequently, reduced inhibition may be evidenced by increased distractibility and forgetfulness in older adults. There are age differences in periods of peak arousal, with most older adults having optimal times in the morning and many college students having peak times in the evening. Recent research suggests that certain cognitive processes may also follow circadian arousal rhythms such that cognitive performance is better during periods of peak arousal. Currently, we are attempting to identify those specific cognitive processes which are affected by the synchrony of time of testing and peak arousal periods.