The Development of Knowledge of an External Retrieval Cue Strategy

Abstract

RrrTER, KENNETH. The Development of Knowledge of an External Retrieval Cue Strategy. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1978, 49, 1227-1230. The present research investigated the development of knowledge of the planful preparation of the container of a hidden object for future retrieval. 80 preschool children (X = 4-3) and 16 third-grade children (X = 9-2) could easily retrieve a baited container if they marked it distinctively and retained the differentiated, marked container in response to countersuggestions to eliminate it. Third graders prepared spontaneously, retained, and retrieved a distinctive external retrieval cue. Preschool children prepared a distinctive marker only after prompts. There were significant differences between younger and older preschool groups in the preparation, retention, and retrieval of a distinctive marker. Associations of the 3 criterion behaviors indicated that alternate, inefficient strategies may have accounted for the performance of the younger children.