Beliefs about memory changes across the adult life span.

Beliefs about age-related differences in memory were examined with an adaptation of the Short Inventory of Memory Experiences. In Experiment 1, 142 adults (mean age = 36 years) reported significantly more positive expectations for memory in everyday life for persons aged 25 years than for those aged 70 years. In Experiment 2, a between-subjects design with 189 adults (mean age = 34 years) was employed to examine the generality of memory beliefs …