Metacognitive Beliefs about Aging and Emotion: the 'Worse-than-Average' Effect with Judgments of Learning

Reactivity of Judgments of Learning in a Levels-of-Processing Paradigm

Zeitschrift für Psychologie ◽

10.1027/2151-2604/a000425 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 228 (4) ◽

pp. 278-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eylul Tekin ◽

Henry L. Roediger

Keyword(s):

Target Word ◽

Paired Associate ◽

Judgments Of Learning ◽

Paired Associate Learning ◽

Levels Of Processing ◽

Pleasantness Rating ◽

Associate Learning ◽

Counting Task ◽

Reactive Effect ◽

Target Words

Abstract. Recent studies have shown that judgments of learning (JOLs) are reactive measures in paired-associate learning paradigms. However, evidence is scarce concerning whether JOLs are reactive in other paradigms. In old/new recognition experiments, we investigated the reactivity effects of JOLs in a levels-of-processing (LOP) paradigm. In Experiments 1 and 2, for each word, subjects saw a yes/no orienting question followed by the target word and a response. Then, they either did or did not make a JOL. The yes/no questions were about target words’ appearances, rhyming properties, or category memberships. In Experiment 3, for each word, subjects gave a pleasantness rating or counted the letter “e ”. Our results revealed that JOLs enhanced recognition across all orienting tasks in Experiments 1 and 2, and for the e-counting task in Experiment 3. This reactive effect was salient for shallow tasks, attenuating – but not eliminating – the LOP effect after making JOLs. We conclude that JOLs are reactive in LOP paradigms and subjects encode words more effectively when providing JOLs.

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Learning From (Test) Experience

Zeitschrift für Psychologie ◽

10.1027/2151-2604/a000424 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 228 (4) ◽

pp. 264-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Evan E. Mitton ◽

Chris M. Fiacconi

Keyword(s):

Recognition Memory ◽

Test Performance ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Judgments Of Learning ◽

Visual Images ◽

Memory Tests ◽

Recognition Memory Performance ◽

Study Test ◽

Explicit Feedback

Abstract. To date there has been relatively little research within the domain of metamemory that examines how individuals monitor their performance during memory tests, and whether the outcome of such monitoring informs subsequent memory predictions for novel items. In the current study, we sought to determine whether spontaneous monitoring of test performance can in fact help individuals better appreciate their memory abilities, and in turn shape future judgments of learning (JOLs). Specifically, in two experiments we examined recognition memory for visual images across three study-test cycles, each of which contained novel images. We found that across cycles, participants’ JOLs did in fact increase, reflecting metacognitive sensitivity to near-perfect levels of recognition memory performance. This finding suggests that individuals can and do monitor their test performance in the absence of explicit feedback, and further underscores the important role that test experience can play in shaping metacognitive evaluations of learning and remembering.

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Experience Matters

Zeitschrift für Psychologie ◽

10.1027/2151-2604/a000423 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 228 (4) ◽

pp. 254-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pedro S. Mendes ◽

Karlos Luna ◽

Pedro B. Albuquerque

Keyword(s):

Word Frequency ◽

High Frequency ◽

Recall Test ◽

Judgments Of Learning ◽

Direct Experience ◽

Frequency Effects ◽

Actual Frequency ◽

Actual Word ◽

High Frequency Words

Abstract. The present study tested if word frequency effects on judgments of learning (JOLs) are exclusively due to beliefs or if the direct experience with the items also plays a role. Across four experiments, participants read prompts about the frequency of the words (high/low), which could be congruent/incongruent with the words’ actual frequency. They made pre-study JOLs (except Experiment 1b), immediate JOLs, and completed a recall test. If experience drives the effect, JOLs should be based on actual word frequency rather than the prompts. Results showed higher pre-study JOLs for prompts of high frequency, but higher immediate JOLs for high-frequency words regardless of the prompt, suggesting an effect of direct experience with the words. In Experiments 2 and 3, we manipulated participants’ beliefs, finding a small effect of beliefs on JOLs. We conclude that, regarding word frequency, direct experience with the items seems more relevant than beliefs when making immediate JOLs.

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