Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Evidence from Rovee-Collier's research suggests that memory development is BEST described as:

1. a continuous increase in ability to remember events.

2. initial increases followed by a decline that coincides with the onset of language.

3. a continuous decline in ability to remember events.

4. an unpredictable pattern that depends on children's individual experiences.

The correct answer is: a continuous increase in ability to remember events.

Rovee-Collier's research highlights that memory development in infants and young children shows a continuous increase in their ability to remember events over time. This research demonstrated that even very young infants have some capacity for memory, and as they grow, their ability to retain and recall information improves. The findings indicated that infants could remember specific events at increasing intervals as their cognitive processes develop. This suggests a trajectory of growing memory capabilities rather than a decline or unpredictable patterns, making continuous improvement the most accurate characterization of memory development in this context. In contrast, while some researchers have posited that cognitive milestones, such as the onset of language, could influence memory retention, Rovee-Collier's work emphasizes consistent improvement. Thus, the idea that memory abilities could decline or fluctuate unpredictably with individual experiences does not align with the overarching conclusions of her studies.