Compact Disc‐interactive Memory Training With the Elderly

The memory training literature indicates that older adults benefit from mnemonic instruction as demonstrated by their improved immediate recall performance in a laboratory setting. However, learned mnemonic strategies fail to generalize beyond the laboratory primarily due to shortcomings associated with traditional memory training techniques. Among the identified inadequacies of traditional memory training techniques are: (a) failure to realistically simulate real world memory tasks; (b) failure to incorporate interactivity; and (c) failure to provide sustained exposure to strategy and opportunity for continued practice. Two alternative formats to traditional memory training that have been proposed are videotaped and computer assisted instruction (CAI). However, neither of these alternative media of instruction is ideal. Learning from videotaped instruction, much like watching television, is essentially passive and does not yield the greater benefits associated with interactive learning. In contrast, CAI is interactive, but previous research has shown that older adults are reluctant to work with computer systems and most are unlikely to have daily access to such systems. Recent technological developments have made possible a third alternative format which combines the most desirable features of videotaped instruction and CAI. Compact Disc‐interactive (CD‐i) technology is an interactive multimedia format which interfaces with a standard television set. The present series of studies evaluates (a) older adults’ receptiveness to CD‐i technology; (b) older adults’ specific preferences for foci of memory training; and (c) the ease of use of the developed prototype module—Name‐Face mnemonic training. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The results support the general effectiveness of the CD‐i format for mnemonic training and the specific effectiveness of the prototype module for improving immediate recall of names and faces among older adults.