Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval
Abstract With ubiquitous computing, problems can be solved using more strategies than ever, though many strategies feature subpar performance. Here, we explored whether and how simple advice regarding when to use which strategy can improve performance. Specifically, we presented unfamiliar alphanume...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Cognitive Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-023-00526-6 |
| _version_ | 1797377189068406784 |
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| author | Patrick P. Weis Wilfried Kunde |
| author_facet | Patrick P. Weis Wilfried Kunde |
| author_sort | Patrick P. Weis |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract With ubiquitous computing, problems can be solved using more strategies than ever, though many strategies feature subpar performance. Here, we explored whether and how simple advice regarding when to use which strategy can improve performance. Specifically, we presented unfamiliar alphanumeric equations (e.g., A + 5 = F) and asked whether counting up the alphabet from the left letter by the indicated number resulted in the right letter. In an initial choice block, participants could engage in one of three cognitive strategies: (a) internal counting, (b) internal retrieval of previously generated solutions, or (c) computer-mediated external retrieval of solutions. Participants belonged to one of two groups: they were either instructed to first try internal retrieval before using external retrieval, or received no specific use instructions. In a subsequent internal block with identical instructions for both groups, external retrieval was made unavailable. The ‘try internal retrieval first’ instruction in the choice block led to pronounced benefits (d = .76) in the internal block. Benefits were due to facilitated creation and retrieval of internal memory traces and possibly also due to improved strategy choice. These results showcase how simple strategy advice can greatly help users navigate cognitive environments. More generally, our results also imply that uninformed use of external tools (i.e., technology) can bear the risk of not developing and using even more superior internal processing strategies. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T19:50:07Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3f31f393184943bf8e4b5273766d5b5c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2365-7464 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T19:50:07Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cognitive Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-3f31f393184943bf8e4b5273766d5b5c2023-12-24T12:07:45ZengSpringerOpenCognitive Research2365-74642023-12-018111210.1186/s41235-023-00526-6Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrievalPatrick P. Weis0Wilfried Kunde1Department of Psychology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgDepartment of Psychology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAbstract With ubiquitous computing, problems can be solved using more strategies than ever, though many strategies feature subpar performance. Here, we explored whether and how simple advice regarding when to use which strategy can improve performance. Specifically, we presented unfamiliar alphanumeric equations (e.g., A + 5 = F) and asked whether counting up the alphabet from the left letter by the indicated number resulted in the right letter. In an initial choice block, participants could engage in one of three cognitive strategies: (a) internal counting, (b) internal retrieval of previously generated solutions, or (c) computer-mediated external retrieval of solutions. Participants belonged to one of two groups: they were either instructed to first try internal retrieval before using external retrieval, or received no specific use instructions. In a subsequent internal block with identical instructions for both groups, external retrieval was made unavailable. The ‘try internal retrieval first’ instruction in the choice block led to pronounced benefits (d = .76) in the internal block. Benefits were due to facilitated creation and retrieval of internal memory traces and possibly also due to improved strategy choice. These results showcase how simple strategy advice can greatly help users navigate cognitive environments. More generally, our results also imply that uninformed use of external tools (i.e., technology) can bear the risk of not developing and using even more superior internal processing strategies.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-023-00526-6Extended cognitionTechnology useStrategy adviceStrategy selectionMemory formation |
| spellingShingle | Patrick P. Weis Wilfried Kunde Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval Cognitive Research Extended cognition Technology use Strategy advice Strategy selection Memory formation |
| title | Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval |
| title_full | Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval |
| title_fullStr | Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval |
| title_full_unstemmed | Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval |
| title_short | Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval |
| title_sort | overreliance on inefficient computer mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory mediated retrieval |
| topic | Extended cognition Technology use Strategy advice Strategy selection Memory formation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-023-00526-6 |
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