The impact of cognitive aging on route learning rate and the acquisition of landmark knowledge

Aging is accompanied by changes in general cognitive functioning which may impact the learning rate of older adults; however, this often not controlled for aging studies. We investigated contribution differences rates to age-related landmark knowledge acquired from route learning. In Experiment 1 we used a standard procedure participants received fixed amount exposure route. Consistent with previous research, found deficits associative cue and sequence knowledge. 2 using flexible procedure. Specifically, were trained performance criterion during before being tested on content their While adults took longer learn than younger adults, abolished. The deficit knowledge, remained. 3 replicated these results introduced test situation yielded an increased likelihood disorientation adults. findings study suggest that are attenuated controlling rates. contrast, persist best explained strategy acquire task essential at expense supplementary