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From metacognitive beliefs to strategy selection: does fake performance feedback influence cognitive offloading?
Sandra Grinschgl1, Hauke S Meyerhoff2, Stephan Schwan2
1Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Schleichstr. 4, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. sandra.grinschgl@uni-tuebingen.de.
Metacognitive beliefs about memory, influenced by fake feedback, did not change cognitive offloading behavior. Participants receiving negative feedback reported more offloading, despite no actual strategy change.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Human-computer interaction
- Metacognition
Background:
- Technological advancements necessitate choices between internal cognition and externalizing processes (cognitive offloading).
- Metacognitive beliefs significantly shape decision-making in cognitive tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how metacognitive beliefs influence cognitive offloading behavior.
- To examine the impact of manipulated metacognitive beliefs on strategy selection.
Main Methods:
- An experiment with 159 participants was conducted.
- Metacognitive beliefs about memory were manipulated using fake performance feedback (below-average, above-average, control).
- Offloading behavior was measured using a pattern copying task, assessing reliance on internal memory versus external aids.
Main Results:
- Fake performance feedback successfully altered metacognitive evaluations of memory abilities.
- Actual offloading behavior remained unaffected by the manipulated feedback.
- Participants receiving below-average feedback reported greater reliance on offloading strategies compared to those receiving above-average feedback.
- Self-reported general memory abilities were lower in the below-average feedback group.
Conclusions:
- While metacognitive beliefs are sensitive to performance feedback, this does not directly translate to changes in cognitive offloading behavior.
- Metacognitive experiences, alongside beliefs, may be crucial determinants of cognitive offloading.
- Future research should explore the interplay between metacognitive experiences and strategy selection in the context of cognitive offloading.
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