Reliability and validity of the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire.

The development and psychometric properties of the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (MSEQ), a self-report measure of memory ability (Self-Efficacy Level) and confidence (Self-Efficacy Strength), are described. The MSEQ was rationally constructed using 50 memory items with face and content validity. The MSEQ and its alternate versions were examined in three experiments with younger and older adult samples. Satisfactory estimates of internal consistency and test-retest stability were obtained. Canonical correlation analyses provided preliminary support for the MSEQ's criterion and construct validity. Although additional psychometric work is needed, this initial investigation of the MSEQ suggests that it may be a useful tool for research on memory self-evaluation in adult age groups. Reliability and validity are strong, the questionnaire shows expected adult age differences in self-evaluation, and the theoretical framework of self-efficacy provides useful hypotheses regarding developmental changes and individual differences in self-evaluation. Current investigations of memory and aging have moved beyond simplistic descriptions of deficits attributed to chronological age toward an integration of the relevant task, context, and person variables that influence memory performance (e.g., Arbuckle, Gold, & Andres, 1986; Craik, Byrd, & Swanson, 1987; Dixon & Hertzog, 1988; Hartley, 1986;Labouvie-ViefS Dixon & Hultsch, 1983b). It has been difficult, however, to draw conclusions from such studies because there are dramatic variations in the measurement of prediction and performance. The purpose of this article is to review previous measures and describe the psychometric properties of a recently developed memory prediction questionnaire derived from selfefficacy principles (Bandura, 1977, 1982, 1986). When used in conjunction with more generalized measures of memory be