The association between maternal strategies and preschoolers' memory for location of objects

• Published in: European journal of developmental psychology Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 461 - 475
• Main Authors: Harris, Yvette R., Schroeder, Valarie M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hove Psychology Press 01-07-2013; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child development; Developmental psychology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Home environment; Location memory; Maternal child interaction; Memory; Preschool cognitive performance; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Vygotskian theory; Human; Preschool age; Parental behavior; Social influence; Maternal child interaction; Memory; Cognitive ability; Cognition; Mother child relation; Preschool cognitive performance; Home environment; Location memory; Maternal behavior; Social interaction; Family environment; Strategy; Vygotskian theory; Cognitive development; Performance; Child; Socialization; Object location
• ISSN: 1740-5629; 1740-5610
• DOI: 10.1080/17405629.2012.713578

Using a Vygotskian theoretical framework and a social interaction design, we observed 30 middle-class North American mother-child dyads engaged in a location memory activity. The central aim of this investigation was to assess maternal and preschool strategy use employed during a memory for location task, and to determine which strategies are associated with preschooler accuracy of memory for location of objects. Results suggest that mothers are more apt to utilize labelling, encouragement, and guidance as opposed to location-specific assistance to their child during the task, and children are more apt to link the memory information to their real-life experiences, request help for assistance, and utilize self-regulatory speech. Implications of the research, suggestions for future research, and expansions of theoretical perspectives on the role of social interaction on preschool location memory performance, and educational implications are discussed.