Motivated Memory & Metacognition
One of my broad research interests relates to how our memory is influenced by motivational factors. Things like curiosity or information value can influence what we remember in both younger age and as we get older. One aspect of memory is metacognition, or knowledge of our own cognitive abilities. My research examines the motivational factors that influence memory and metacognition across the lifespan.
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Curiosity Across the Lifespan
I'm also interested in motivational influences on memory and how these change as we age. Curiosity has always motivated humans to learn. Some recent research suggests that general curiosity declines as we get older, but I am interested in whether curiosity always declines or may become more selective with age. Additionally, my research examines how curiosity motivates memory in older age as well as some of the pitfalls of curiosity on memory.
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Successful Aging
Another part of my research focuses on how both younger and older adults think about aging. Research has shown that our attitudes about aging are related to how successfully we age. Specifically, older adults with more negative attitudes toward aging tend to have lower health outcomes. However, many of these attitudes are formed and develop before we reach "old age," so targeting negative stereotypes at all ages is important for fostering successful aging.
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