This study examined the relationship between age-related cognitive decline and internet performance in older adults. The results showed:
1. Processing speed and accuracy on information-finding tasks declined with age.
2. When dividing older adults into high- and low-functioning groups based on processing speed and vocabulary tests, the low-functioning older adults performed worse than the high-functioning older adults and younger adults.
3. The findings suggest that age-related cognitive decline can impact older adults' internet experiences, and user experience testing should account for variability in cognitive abilities across age groups.
Processing Speed and Vocabulary are Related to Older Adults' Internet Experiences
1. Processing Speed and Vocabulary
Are Related to Older Adults’
Internet Experiences*
Jen Romano-Bergstrom | Facebook | JenRB@fb.com
Erica Olmsted-Hawala | US Census Bureau
Wendy Rogers | Georgia Institute of Technology
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* Best Paper Award of the 1st International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population
Aug 5, 2015
HCII | Los Angeles, CA
2. Aging and the brain
2
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Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/06/26/americans-internet-access-2000-
2015/
3. Aging and the brain
3
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Source:
http://faculty.virginia.edu/cogage/publications2/Salthouse%20(2009)%20When%20do
es%20age-related%20cognitive%20decline%20begin.pdf
5. This study
Goal: Examine the relationship between age-related
cognitive decline and Internet performance.
1. Cognitive battery
• Processing Speed
a. Backward counting task
b. WAIS Digit Symbol Coding task
• Vocabulary: Shipley Vocabulary test
2. Computer and Internet Experience Questionnaire
3. Five Information-Finding Tasks on Census Website
4. Satisfaction Questionnaire
5
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