The role of imagery in the development of reality monitoring

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of imagery on reality monitoring. Three age groups (4 year olds, 6 year olds, and adults) were compared to investigate how people discriminate between two memories, both of which were generated by the subject (i.e., an intention vs an action). All age groups performed better when using reproductive or static-induced imagery compared with using non-static induced imagery. In addition, reality monitoring performance was comparable for 6 year olds and adults, while the 4 year olds were at a decided disadvantage. The type of imagery did not affect this developmental trend. Results support the views of reality and imagination advanced by Koffka and Vygotsky and did not support the views of Piaget and Werner.