Opposite developmental trends for false recognition of basic and superordinate names

Abstract

This study investigated the development of false memories for basic and superordinate names using the DRM procedure. Two experiments were conducted with younger (3–5 years old) and older (10–12 years old) children. In the first experiment the DRM procedure was used with categorised lists and in the second experiment both types of lists—categorised and associative—were applied. False recognition for basic and superordinate names showed opposite developmental trends, regardless of list type. False recognition increased for critical-basic items and decreased for critical-superordinate items with age. These opposing results are mainly explained by age differences in conceptual knowledge and editing processes.

Keywords:

• False recognition
• Development
• Basic and superordinate levels

Notes

¹It is important to note that our own view differs from the associative activation theory (AAT) by Howe (2005, 2006a) in the sense that his theory is not considered a dual-process theory. More in accordance with Gallo (2006), we argue associative activation and also monitoring abilities increase throughout development (this argument will be developed in the General Discussion).