Graduation Year
2022
Date of Submission
12-2022
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
Reader 1
Sharda Umanath
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
Joanna S Hwang
Abstract
There are two seemingly opposing explanations for the declines observed in associative memory of older adults: (a) the associative deficit hypothesis (ADH), which posits that older adults fail to form and retrieve associations and (b) hyperbinding, which proposes that older adults actually create too many associations. With no consensus on which explanation is most representative of older adults’ associative memory, this paper seeks to make sense of the mixed literature. First, I compare theoretical and methodological approaches adopted by studies from either side. From there, I argue and present evidence that suggests the ADH and hyperbinding are not necessarily conflicting and can possibly co-exist. Finally, I consider open questions, highlighting aspects of both theories that should be elaborated on with additional research.
Recommended Citation
Hwang, Joanna, "Deficit or Excess? Examining Associative Memory in Older Adults" (2022). CMC Senior Theses. 3138.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3138
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
