INTRODUCTION: The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) phenomenon is one of the most frequent complaints in aging, especially with reference to the proper names retrieval. Previous experimental studies focussed on comparing extreme age groups and they used strategic search paradigms that impede the processing knowledge. AIMS: To analyze TOT frequency and resolution in the normal process of aging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 140 participants aged from 19 to 82 performed an experiment of production of famous people' names from their definitions, and 36 participants aged from 20 to 80 performed other similar experiment from pictures. Data were analyzed using a linear general model with vocabulary level and processing speed as covariables. RESULTS: Adults aged from 50 produced more TOTs than young adults and the TOTs' increase was higher in adults from 70 years independently of their vocabulary level. Older adults resolved fewer TOTs than young adults but phonological priming improved TOTs resolution. CONCLUSION: Aging weakens activation in the proper names retrieval process but phonological priming increases the activation and improves lexical access.
INTRODUCTION: The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) phenomenon is one of the most frequent complaints in aging, especially with reference to the proper names retrieval. Previous experimental studies focussed on comparing extreme age groups and they used strategic search paradigms that impede the processing knowledge. AIMS: To analyze TOT frequency and resolution in the normal process of aging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 140 participants aged from 19 to 82 performed an experiment of production of famous people' names from their definitions, and 36 participants aged from 20 to 80 performed other similar experiment from pictures. Data were analyzed using a linear general model with vocabulary level and processing speed as covariables. RESULTS: Adults aged from 50 produced more TOTs than young adults and the TOTs' increase was higher in adults from 70 years independently of their vocabulary level. Older adults resolved fewer TOTs than young adults but phonological priming improved TOTs resolution. CONCLUSION: Aging weakens activation in the proper names retrieval process but phonological priming increases the activation and improves lexical access.