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Examining levels of external memory support on memory performance, performance predictions, and study effort
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto.
Summary
Relying on external memory aids can reduce study effort and impact memory performance. This study explored how different levels of expected external memory support affect memory and effort, finding varied effects for full versus partial support.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Memory
- Metacognition
Background:
- External memory supports are widely used to augment human memory capabilities.
- Prior research often contrasted full external support with no support, neglecting intermediate levels.
- Understanding how varying levels of expected support influence memory and metacognition is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different levels of expected external memory support on memory performance, perceived study effort, and metamemory.
- To compare the mechanisms underlying memory costs associated with expecting full versus partial external memory support.
- To explore the interplay between study-effort reduction and transfer-appropriate processing in memory costs.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two preregistered experiments manipulating expected levels of external memory support (full, partial, none).
- Assessed actual memory performance, expected memory performance, and perceptions of study effort under conditions of support availability and unavailability.
- Utilized a transfer-appropriate processing framework to explain observed memory costs.
Main Results:
- Expecting both full and partial external memory support led to memory costs compared to no support.
- Memory costs associated with expecting full support were partly explained by reduced study effort.
- Memory costs associated with expecting partial support were not fully explained by reduced study effort, suggesting alternative mechanisms like transfer-appropriate processing.
- Both study-effort reduction and transfer-appropriate processing contributed to the findings.
Conclusions:
- The level of expected external memory support significantly influences memory performance and study effort.
- Memory costs associated with external memory aids are complex and can be driven by both reduced engagement and misaligned processing strategies.
- Findings offer insights into the dynamic interplay between external memory tools, cognitive effort, and memory monitoring.
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