Age-related changes in the tip-of-the-tongue experience

Abstract

The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) experience was compared in younger and older adults, using picture and definition cues to elicit TOTs. Older adults (a) experienced more TOTs, (b) had less target word information available during the TOT, and (c) had more related words (blockers) come to mind during the TOT. There were no age differences in either the speed or likelihood of immediate resolution of the TOT. Picture and definition cues were equally likely to evoke TOTs, although picture cues elicited more interlopers. The idea that TOTs are more likely to be elicited by less common target words was not supported.