How Checking Breeds Doubt: Reduced Performance in a Simple Working Memory Task

Harkin, B. and Kessler, K. (2009) How Checking Breeds Doubt: Reduced Performance in a Simple Working Memory Task. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47(6), pp. 504-512. (doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2009.03.002)

Abstract

A paradox of memory research is that repeated checking results in a decrease in memory certainty, memory vividness and confidence (Hout and Kindt, 2003a, 2003b). Although these findings have been mainly attributed to changes in episodic long-term memory, it has been suggested (Shimamura, 2000) that representations in working memory could already suffer from detrimental checking. In two experiments we set out to test this hypothesis by employing a delayed-match-to-sample working memory task. Letters had to be remembered in their correct locations, a task that was designed to engage the episodic short-term buffer of working memory (Baddeley, 2000). Of most importance, we introduced an intermediate distractor question that was prone to induce frustrating and unnecessary checking on trials where no correct answer was possible. Reaction times and confidence ratings on the actual memory test of these trials confirmed the success of this manipulation. Most importantly, high checkers (cf. VOCI; Thordarson et al., 2004) were less accurate than low checkers when frustrating checking was induced, especially if the experimental context actually emphasized the irrelevance of the misleading question. The clinical relevance of this result was substantiated by means of an extreme groups comparison across the two studies. The findings are discussed in the context of abnormal checking and lack of distractor inhibition as a way of weakening fragile bindings within the episodic short-term buffer of Baddeley's (2000) model. Clinical implications, limitations and future research are considered.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kessler, Dr Klaus
• Authors: Harkin, B., and Kessler, K.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Behaviour Research and Therapy
• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
• ISSN: 0005-7967
• ISSN (Online): 1873-622X