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Aging and Memory Control Beliefs: Performance in Relation to Goal Setting and Memory Self-Evaluation

Department of Psychology, University of Florida.

Address correspondence to Robin Lea West, P.O. Box 112250, Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250. E-mail: rwest{at}geron.ufl.edu

We examined memory control beliefs in relation to memory performance and beliefs in the context of goal setting. Control beliefs showed significant effects on performance and self-efficacy. Higher goals were set by high-control younger adults than by older adults and low-control younger adults. Individuals with a high sense of control performed higher and maintained performance over trials regardless of whether they set explicit goals. Those with low control (primarily older adults) performed lower, but they achieved increased performance when motivated by goals. These results emphasized that performance limitations associated with low control can be overcome with goals, even in older adults. As with previous studies, however, younger adults showed a more positive response to goals than older adults.