Longitudinal predictors of self-derivation through memory integration-A mechanism of knowledge accumulation

Patricia J Bauer; Katherine A Lee; Jessica A Dugan; Lucy M Cronin-Golomb

doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106120

Longitudinal predictors of self-derivation through memory integration-A mechanism of knowledge accumulation

J Exp Child Psychol. 2024 Nov 12:250:106120. doi: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106120. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Patricia J Bauer¹, Katherine A Lee², Jessica A Dugan³, Lucy M Cronin-Golomb²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: pjbauer@emory.edu.
² Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
³ Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Psychological Sciences, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA.

PMID: 39536655
DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106120

Abstract

Knowledge accumulates through direct instruction and as a consequence of productive memory processes. We report a longitudinal investigation of correlates of the specific productive process of self-derivation through memory integration, targeted because it is a compelling model of accumulation of semantic information. We sampled 148 children aged 8 to 12 years at enrollment. At each of two waves 1 year apart, children were tested on self-derivation through integration and on a battery of potential predictors thereof: cognitive abilities (recall of directly taught facts, verbal comprehension, visualization, visual-auditory learning, and working memory), educational experiences, and family socioeconomic status. Age-related variability was eclipsed by relatively stable individual variability. In both concurrent and longitudinal models, the only significant predictor of self-derivation was recall of directly taught facts. Together with prior research, the results suggest that self-derivation of new knowledge through integration is an individual trait not subsumed by general verbal and spatial skills.

Keywords: Elementary school years; Individual variability; Integration; Self-derivation; Semantic memory.