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The MCQ is a seven-factor scale that measures individual differences in the tendency to select particular strategies and to overcome perceived or real memory losses. Our aim was to establish a French version of the MCQ and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a lifespan perspective. We first tested the underlying factor structure of the MCQ in a large sample of 749 adults from aged from 18 to 92 years. Results showed that the factor structure of the French version corresponded well with the one obtained in English-, Dutch- and Spanish-speaking samples, supporting the cross-national robustness of the MCQ. We confirmed a seven-factor order model that supports the construct validity of the questionnaire. The reliabilities of the scales were good (α > .70) to acceptable (α = .66 and .62). Criterion validity was verified by means of significant correlations between health composites and MCQ subscales. Gender and Age affected most of the MCQ subscales but not the level of education. The MCQ revealed to be a heuristic tool for assessing daily compensatory behaviors that are developed in order to achieve successful aging. Thus, regression-based normative data and a user-friendly computer program were provided to facilitate scoring and norming by clinicians and researchers dealing with aging.

In this paper we report hourly variations in recall of words in a short-term memory task. Tests were carried out at 18.00, 22.00, 02.00 and 06.00 hours. The words to be memorized were preceded by a question designed to shape the type of encoding adopted by the subjects. The question concerned semantic, typographic or structural characteristics of the word. After presentation of all the words, the subjects were tested in free recall. Time of day had no effect on overall recall scores. Nevertheless, we observed a phase difference in the recall of items processed at superficial or deep levels. Items encoded by typographical attributes were more readily recalled at 02.00 than at 18.00, whereas semantically encoded words were less well recalled at night than during the day. There was also an interaction between the serial position of the items and time of day. At 22.00 and 02.00, subjects recalled words from the end of the list better. The results are discussed in terms of resource allocation models.

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