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When errors do not matter: weakening belief in intentional control impairs cognitive reaction to errors
Davide Rigoni1, Hélène Wilquin, Marcel Brass
1Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, CNRS: UMR7291, Aix-Marseille University, France. davide.rigoni@ugent.be
Cognition
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Believing in free will is crucial for self-control. Weakening this belief impairs cognitive control, potentially leading to antisocial behavior and reduced error adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Belief in intentional control is fundamental to human behavior.
- Exposure to 'anti-free will' messages has been linked to antisocial tendencies.
- This behavior may stem from impaired neurocognitive mechanisms for behavioral adjustment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if weakening the belief in intentional control reduces cognitive markers of behavioral control.
- To investigate the impact of denying free will on cognitive performance and behavioral adjustment.
Main Methods:
- Participants completed a Simon task before and after reading texts.
- One group read a text denying free will (no-free will group).
- A control group read a text not mentioning free will.
Main Results:
- The no-free will group showed reduced post-error slowing, a marker of performance adjustment.
- This reduction correlated with a decreased belief in intentional control.
- Cognitive markers of behavioral control were diminished in the no-free will group.
Conclusions:
- Weakening the belief in free will impacts behavioral adjustment after errors.
- Reduced belief in free will may contribute to antisocial and irresponsible behaviors.
- Neurocognitive mechanisms for behavioral control are sensitive to beliefs about free will.
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