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Is it cognitive effort you measure? Comparing three task paradigms to the Need for Cognition scale
Martin Jensen Mækelæ1, Kristoffer Klevjer1, Andrew Westbrook2
1Department of Psychology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Plos One
|August 17, 2023
Summary
Individual differences in cognitive effort were explored using Need for Cognition and working memory capacity. Two measures showed relationships with Need for Cognition, suggesting they capture aspects of cognitive effort.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Individual Differences Research
Background:
- Measuring cognitive effort is challenging due to its dependence on motivation and ability.
- Understanding individual differences in cognitive effort is crucial for various psychological domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Need for Cognition (NFC), working memory capacity (WMC), and three distinct measures of cognitive effort.
- To assess the validity of different tasks in capturing individual differences in cognitive effort.
Main Methods:
- Six studies with 663 participants were conducted.
- Cognitive effort was measured using the Demand Selection Task, Cognitive Effort Discounting paradigm, and a rational reasoning task.
- Need for Cognition, working memory capacity, and perceived mental effort (NASA-TLX) were also assessed.
Main Results:
- The three cognitive effort tasks were not significantly correlated with each other.
- Need for Cognition positively correlated with effort discounting and rational reasoning, but not demand avoidance.
- Working memory capacity was associated with effort discounting; higher perceived effort related to poorer rational reasoning.
Conclusions:
- Two cognitive effort measures demonstrated relationships with Need for Cognition.
- These measures are also influenced by working memory capacity.
- Further research is needed to definitively establish whether these tasks accurately measure cognitive effort.
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