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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
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Published on: July 16, 2015
Metacognition that a cognitive task disrupts subsequent recognition causes the revelation effect
1Keio University, 2-15-45, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan.
Acta Psychologica
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Engaging in cognitive tasks before recognition tests can influence responses, a phenomenon known as the revelation effect. This study confirms that metacognition, or awareness of cognitive processes, plays a key role in this effect.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Metacognition Research
- Memory Studies
Background:
- The revelation effect, where cognitive tasks precede recognition judgments, has been observed for 30 years.
- The underlying mechanism of the revelation effect remains unclear.
- Existing research has not fully elucidated the role of metacognition in this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of the revelation effect.
- To examine the validity of the criterion shift by metacognition account.
- To determine if metacognition influences the revelation effect.
Main Methods:
- The study manipulated word difficulty following a cognitive task.
- Experiment 1 used easy-to-recognize words after the task.
- Experiment 3 used difficult words after the task, with Experiment 2 serving as a control.
Main Results:
- The revelation effect increased linearly with word difficulty across the experiments.
- A direct relationship was found between metacognition and the magnitude of the revelation effect.
- The criterion shift by metacognition account was supported by the findings.
Conclusions:
- Metacognition is a key factor in inducing the revelation effect.
- The study provides novel insights into the role of metacognition in recognition memory.
- The criterion shift by metacognition account offers a new explanation for the revelation effect.
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