Aging and Directed Forgetting: Pre-Cue Encoding and Post-Cue Rehearsal Effects

The effects of pre-cue encoding and post-cue rehearsal on item-method-directed forgetting in young and older adults were examined. In Experiment 1, level-of-processing manipulations were used to examine pre-cue representations of items in directed forgetting. In Experiment 2, pre-cue levels of processing was manipulated as well as post-cue rehearsal time. In general, young adults showed greater directed forgetting than older adults, and levels of processing did not affect directed forgetting. However, increased post-cue rehearsal time eliminated directed forgetting. These findings are discussed in terms of constraints that influence item-method-directed forgetting. It is suggested that young adults, but not older adults, may use compensatory strategies to overcome these constraints.