The underlying processes of episodic memory development: From a unique contribution of representation to the increasing use of semantic organization supported by cognitive control

Frick, Aurélien; Wright, Helen R.; Witt, Arnaud; Taconnat, Laurence · 2022 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2022.101217

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Summary

This study investigates the developmental trajectory of episodic memory in children, specifically examining how cognitive control and representation contribute to the use of semantic clustering strategies during free recall. While previous research established that children begin using clustering around age 8, it often fails to improve recall performance until later in development, a phenomenon known as "utilization deficiency." The authors aimed to determine whether fluid cognitive control processes or crystallized knowledge representations drive the transition from ineffective strategy use to efficient memory organization. The researchers tested 104 French children aged 8 to 13 years. Participants completed a free-recall task involving 20 semantically categorized words, with performance measured by total recall and the Adjusted Ratio of Clustering (ARC) score. To assess underlying mechanisms, children also performed three cognitive control tasks (Stroop Color-Word Test, N-Back, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) and two representation tasks (Vocabulary and Information subtests of the WISC-IV). Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression and correlational analyses, splitting the sample into three age groups: 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13 years. Results indicated that while clustering emerged in younger children, it only significantly improved recall performance after age 11. Hierarchical regression revealed that representation significantly predicted recall across the entire sample, whereas cognitive control did not. However, interaction effects showed that the benefit of clustering on recall increased with age. Correlational analyses further clarified these mechanisms: in children aged 8–11, recall was associated solely with representation, not with clustering or control. In contrast, for 12–13-year-olds, recall was positively correlated with both representation and clustering. Additionally, cognitive control was associated with the use of clustering (ARC) in children aged 10 and older, suggesting that control supports the implementation of the strategy, but sufficient control resources are required for the strategy to effectively enhance memory. These findings refine the understanding of episodic memory development by distinguishing the roles of control and representation. The study demonstrates that young children rely primarily on their knowledge base (representation) for memory performance, while the strategic use of semantic organization becomes beneficial only when cognitive control capacities mature sufficiently to support the resource-intensive clustering process. This explains the utilization deficiency observed in younger children, where the effort required to organize items consumes resources that would otherwise aid recall. The results highlight a developmental shift where cognitive control increasingly facilitates the effective application of mnemonic strategies in late childhood.

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