Development of Visual Memory: An Early Adolescent Regression

Abstract

The developmental curve for face recognition displays a temporary dip in performance during early adolescence. Two experiments were conducted to investigate whether this regression is a general characteristic of visual memory development or is peculiar to face recognition. In Experiment 1 children (8-15 years) were asked to recognize pictures of flags. No age differences were found although there was some indication of a slight dip at 13 years. The second experiment tested recognition of houses (7-15 years) and found a significant improvement in accuracy between 7 and 12 years and a significant decline between 12 and 13 years, followed by a recovery to adult level. Possible explanations for these regressions in memory development were discussed.

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