The process of speech production occurs relatively effortlessly, despite complex cognitive processes that underlie word retrieval. However, sometimes these processes do break down and result in a production failure called a tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) state. TOTs are temporary word-finding problems, characterized by an inability to retrieve a word at an intended time despite a strong feeling of knowing the word. TOTs are of particular relevance to older adults, who report having more TOTs and rate them as their most frustrating cognitive failure. The present chapter reviews the relevant literature on age-related changes observed in the TOT phenomenon, with a specific investigation of factors that increase the likelihood of older adults having TOTs as well as those that promote or inhibit TOT resolution. We begin by defining TOTs and their underlying causes in the context of theories of language production. We then discuss empirical findings that examine older adults’ disproportionate vulnerability in experiencing TOTs, the ways in which the incidence and resolution of TOTs can be exacerbated or mitigated, the particular susceptibility of proper names to TOTs, and comparisons of healthy older adults with adults with some clinical memory disorders. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of suggestions for future research directions that may shed light on other unique contributors to these language production failures in old age.
2022. “I know it, but… I have the word on the tip of my tongue!” TOT as phenomenon to re-thinking Metacognition and Feeling-of-knowing in Psychology (“Lo sé, pero… ¡tengo la palabra en la punta de la lengua!”: PDL como fenómeno para repensar la metacognición y la sensación de saber en Psicología). Culture and Education 34:2 ► pp. 369 ff.
Kintz, Stephen & Heather Harris Wright
2022. Light verb production in healthy ageing and dementia. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders 57:4 ► pp. 796 ff.
Maurice Gayed, John, May Kristine Jonson Carlon & Jeffrey Scott Cross
2022. 2022 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), ► pp. 1 ff.
Rojas, Carlos, Bernardo Riffo & Ernesto Guerra
2022. Visual word recognition among oldest old people: The effect of age and cognitive load. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 14
Rojas, Carlos, Bernardo Riffo & Ernesto Guerra
2023. Word Retrieval After the 80s: Evidence From Specific and Multiple Words Naming Tasks. SAGE Open 13:2 ► pp. 215824402311787 ff.
Pearman, Ann
2021. The Interpersonal Context of Memory Complaints. Journal of Applied Gerontology 40:11 ► pp. 1601 ff.
Abrams, Lise & Danielle K. Davis
2017. Competitors or Teammates. Current Directions in Psychological Science 26:1 ► pp. 87 ff.
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 25 july 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers.
Any errors therein should be reported to them.