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Investigating the effect of cognitive load on the intentionality bias
A E Eisenkoeck1, J W de Fockert1, J W Moore2
1Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, Lewisham Way, London, SE14 6NW, England.
Psychological Research
|November 12, 2024
Summary
Cognitive load did not influence judgments of intentionality. This study tested Rosset's dual-process model, finding that increased working memory load did not lead to more intentional explanations of behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Cognition
- Theory of Mind
Background:
- Rosset's dual-process model proposes that intention attribution relies on automatic (intentional) or controlled (unintentional) cognitive processes.
- The model predicts that compromised cognitive capacity, such as increased working memory load, should bias judgments towards intentionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test the prediction derived from Rosset's dual-process model regarding cognitive capacity and intention attribution.
- To investigate the effect of working memory load on the endorsement of intentionality for ambiguous actions.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted: one lab-based and one online.
- Participants completed tasks under varying working memory load conditions.
- Intentionality endorsement of ambiguous actions was measured, controlling for individual differences in working memory capacity.
Main Results:
- Neither the lab-based nor the online experiment found a significant effect of working memory load on intentionality endorsement.
- Increased cognitive load did not lead participants to judge ambiguous behavior as more intentional.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the prediction that compromised cognitive capacity biases intention attribution towards intentional explanations.
- Results suggest that the dual-process model of intention attribution may require revision or further contextualization.
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