ABSTRACT
Collaborative cognition refers to a common form of cognitive activity occurring in the context of more than one individual. We contend that collaborative cognition may be of special interest to cognitive developmental researchers, especially those focusing on cognitive development in adulthood. By examining collaborative cognition and aging, researchers may resolve some theoretical puzzles (e.g., identifying mechanisms through which individual aging-related losses may be mitigated) and practical challenges (e.g., promoting further effectiveness at everyday cognitive tasks by older adults). We therefore review evidence pertaining to issues of accuracy and distortion in (a) cognitive performance in younger and older collaborating units, and (b) beliefs about collaborative effectiveness and aging. Regarding performance, some evidence supports the notion that accuracy is enhanced for selected older collaborating units, especially such presumed interactive experts as long-term married couples. Regarding beliefs, initial evidence suggests that adults believe that collaborative experience is an important component of cognitive effectiveness; collaborative experts, such as married couples, are believed to be more efficient and productive than are collaborating units of lesser experience and working alone. Further research on accuracy and distortion in collaborating units of adults could benefit from integrating cognitive performance and metacognitive beliefs.
