Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
07:12
A Gaze-Contingent Display Framework for Perceptual Learning Research with Simulated Central Vision Loss
Published on: April 11, 2025
If it's hard to read… try harder! Processing fluency as signal for effort adjustments
Gesine Dreisbach1, Rico Fischer
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany. Gesine.Dreisbach@psychologie.uni-regensburg.de
Psychological Research
|January 7, 2011
Summary
Difficulties in processing information signal a need for more cognitive effort or avoidance. Low perceptual fluency, an aversive signal, mobilizes cognitive effort even without response conflicts, guiding future actions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Affective Science
Background:
- Two theories explain anterior cingulate cortex function: conflict monitoring vs. outcome evaluation.
- These theories address how processing difficulties signal cognitive effort or avoidance.
- A unified theory suggests convergence on detecting aversive signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if low perceptual fluency, an aversive signal, triggers cognitive effort mobilization.
- To determine if effort adjustments occur independently of response conflicts.
- To explore the role of aversive signals in effort prediction and adjustment.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments manipulated perceptual fluency.
- Analyzed effort adjustments using interactions of Fluency(N) × Fluency(N-1).
- Measured cognitive effort mobilization in response to varying fluency levels.
Main Results:
- Low perceptual fluency evoked negative affective reactions.
- Significant interactions of Fluency(N) × Fluency(N-1) indicated effort adjustments.
- Cognitive effort was mobilized even without response conflicts.
Conclusions:
- Aversive signals, such as low perceptual fluency, trigger cognitive effort mobilization.
- Effort adjustments are influenced by past fluency experiences.
- Aversive signals play a dual role in effort prediction and adjustment, independent of conflict monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
01:30Information Processing Approach
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
02:07Improving Translational Accuracy
Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
02:07Improving Translational Accuracy
Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
01:37Social Loafing
Another way in which a group presence can affect performance is social loafing—the exertion of less effort by a person working together with a group. Social loafing occurs when our individual performance cannot be evaluated separately from the group. Thus, group performance declines on easy tasks (Karau & Williams, 1993). Essentially individual group members loaf and let other group members pick up the slack. Because each individual’s efforts cannot be evaluated, individuals become less...
01:28Automatic Processing and Automatic Social Behavior
Automatic processing refers to the cognitive operations that occur without conscious intent or awareness, playing a fundamental role in shaping social cognition and behavior. These processes enable individuals to navigate complex social environments efficiently by relying on mental shortcuts and pre-existing knowledge structures known as schemas. One of the most influential mechanisms underlying automatic processing is priming, which subtly activates mental representations through exposure to...