Does repeated checking really cause memory distrust?: Improving the computer task

Abstract

Repeatedly checking the same class of items results in sharp decreases in the meta-memory (i.e. confidence, detail and vividness) (e.g. van den Hout & Kindt, 2003a, 2004; Radomsky & Alcolado, 2010). Multiple researches have studied this phenomenon and often the computer task created by van den Hout and Kindt (2003a) was used (e.g. Boschen & Vukcanovic, 2007; Dek, van den Hout, Engelhard, Giele & Cath, 2015; Dek, van den Hout, Giele & Engelhard 2010). However, it has recently and accidentally been noted in the clinical psychology lab of Utrecht University that this task contained an error. Participants spend noticeably less time on the control condition than the experimental condition, which indicates that the control condition is simpler. Therefore, a new computer task was developed in which both conditions should be equally difficult. The process of developing the task was supported by two pilot studies. The aim of the current study was to show that the new task has equal conditions and to replicate findings of previous studies. Eighty-four participants performed the new checking task in which they first checked either a gas stove or light bulbs at pre-test and answered questions about the meta-memory variables. Following, 20 checks were completed of one of these objects, and finally they checked the same object as they checked at pre-test and answered the questions once more. Results showed that the mean checking time was significantly lower in the gas stove checking trial than in the light bulb checking trial. Additionally, as we hypothesized, repeated checking resulted in decreased meta-memory scores. In conclusion, the adaptions to the computer task by van den Hout and Kindt (2003a) were not sufficient in providing a new computer task with equal conditions. Nevertheless, information about how to adjust this task was provided. Moreover, the study replicated findings of former research about repeated checking affecting the meta-memory, successfully.