The self-reference effect on memory in early childhood.

Cunningham, Sheila J.; Brebner, Joanne L.; Quinn, Francis; Turk, David J.

Abstract

The self-reference effect in memory is the advantage for information encoded about self, relative to other people. The early development of this effect was explored here using a concrete encoding paradigm. Trials comprised presentation of a self- or other-image paired with a concrete object. In Study 1, 4- to 6-year-old children (N = 53) were asked in each trial whether the child pictured would like the object. Recognition memory showed an advantage for self-paired objects. Study 2 (N = 55) replicated this finding in source memory. In Study 3 (N = 56), participants simply indicated object location. Again, recognition and source memory showed an advantage for self-paired items. These findings are discussed with reference to mechanisms that ensure information of potential self-relevance is reliably encoded. © 2013 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

Citation

CUNNINGHAM, S.J., BREBNER, J.L., QUINN, F. and TURK, D.J. 2014. The self-reference effect on memory in early childhood. Child development [online], 85(2), pages 808-823. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12144

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jul 25, 2013
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 2014
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 4, 2023
• Journal: Child development
• Print ISSN: 0009-3920
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-8624
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 85
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 808-823
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12144
• Keywords: Sense of self; Child development; Childhood; Developing memory systems
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2057480