This proposal addresses the emergence of age-sensitive context effects in self-reports of opinions and behaviors and proposes experiments aimed at identifying the underlying cognitive processes. Preliminary analyses of survey data show that older adults are more likely to be influenced by the order with which response alternatives are presented within a question than younger adults (""""""""response order effects""""""""), but less likely to be influenced by the content of preceding questions (""""""""question order effects""""""""). In both cases, the age-sensitivity of the emerging context effects may lead to erroneous substantive conclusions about age differences in opinion and behavior, depending on features of the questionnaire. To avoid misinterpretations of methods effects as substantive effects, one needs to understand their age-sensitivity. Drawing on relevant theorizing in cognitive aging, social cognition, and survey methodology, the age-sensitivity of context effects in self- reports is traced to age-dependent differences in cognitive resources and a set of complex predictions is specified. These predictions are tested in laboratory experiments and an experimental survey. Combining an experimental and an individual difference approach to cognitive functioning, experiments 1-6 address the age-sensitivity of response order effects and experiments 7-12 the age-sensitivity of question order effects, cognitive resource is assessed through a number of individual difference measures as well as manipulated. For the final year, an experimental survey is proposed to assess the stability of the laboratory results under regular survey conditions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AG014111-02
Application #
2633347
Study Section
Human Development and Aging Subcommittee 3 (HUD)
Project Start
1997-01-01
Project End
2000-12-31
Budget Start
1998-01-01
Budget End
1998-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Biostatistics & Other Math Sci
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
791277940
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109