Memory confidence and memory accuracy deterioration following repeated checking: A systematic review and...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatric Research

Background:

• The relationship between repeated checking behaviors and memory confidence/accuracy is a key area in understanding memory distortions.
• Previous experimental studies suggest checking exacerbates memory confidence decline without significantly affecting accuracy.

Approach:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted on 29 studies (67 substudies, N=2180) using a random-effects model.
• Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were employed to address heterogeneity and explore moderator variables.

Key Points:

• A significant pooled effect size (Hedges' g = 0.870) was found for memory confidence deterioration due to repeated checking.
• A smaller effect size (Hedges' g = 0.213) was observed for memory accuracy, indicating a minor impact.
• Publication bias was detected; effects were larger in studies with high responsibility or real stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Repeated checking substantially undermines memory confidence, with a less pronounced effect on memory accuracy.
• The precise role of memory accuracy in confidence decline remains unclear, especially in high-stakes or real-world scenarios.