Research Project

---

Examining the Positivity Effect in Autobiographical Memory across Age Primary Investigators: Dr. Karen L. Siedlecki (Fordham University) Project Team:   Hannah Wertz (Undergraduate)

Dr. Karen L. Siedlecki Principal Investigator

---

Background

The positivity effect suggests older adults attend to and remember positive information more so than negative information, as compared to younger adults (e.g., Carstensen & Mikels, 2005). The Memory Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ; Sutin & Robins, 2007) is a valid and reliable measure of autobiographical memory. Using the MEQ we will examine whether age is associated with an increased likelihood of retrieving positive memories.

Aims

The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to examine the positivity effect in aging in the context of autobiographical memories and 2) to examine whether the structure of the MEQ remains invariant across age.

Method

Three hundred participants across the adult lifespan will complete the Memory Experiences Questionnaire.

Results

Data collection will begin shortly.