Prospective memory, executive functions, and metacognition are already differentiated in young elementary school children: Evidence from latent factor modelling

Spiess, Manuela; Meier, Beat; Roebers, Claudia M. (2015). Prospective memory, executive functions, and metacognition are already differentiated in young elementary school children: Evidence from latent factor modelling. Swiss journal of psychology, 74(4), pp. 229-241. Huber 10.1024/1421-0185/a000165

Text SpiessMeierRoebers_SJP2015(1).pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (279kB)

This study investigated the empirical differentiation of prospective memory, executive functions, and metacognition and their structural relationships in 119 elementary school children (M = 95 months, SD = 4.8 months). These cognitive abilities share many characteristics on the theoretical level and are all highly relevant in many everyday contexts when intentions must be executed. Nevertheless, their empirical relationships have not been examined on the latent level, although an empirical approach would contribute to our knowledge concerning the differentiation of cognitive abilities during childhood. We administered a computerized event-based prospective memory task, three executive function tasks (updating, inhibition, shifting), and a metacognitive control task in the context of spelling. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the three cognitive abilities are already empirically differentiable in young elementary school children. At the same time, prospective memory and executive functions were found to be strongly related, and there was also a close link between prospective memory and metacognitive control. Furthermore, executive functions and metacognitive control were marginally significantly related. The findings are discussed within a framework of developmental differentiation and conceptual similarities and differences.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

3 since deposited on 27 Mar 2015
0 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item