Making memorable choices: Cognitive control and the self-choice effect in memory. Issue 3 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldwin, Cassandra; Garrison, Katie E.; Baumeister, Roy F.; Schmeichel, Brandon J.
• Is Part Of: Self and identity. Volume 21:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Choice -- ego depletion -- cognitive control -- memory -- self-choice effect; Self -- Periodicals; Identity (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Cognition -- Periodicals; Motivation (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2021.1888787
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1529-8868

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The current research tested the effects of active choice on memory (i.e., the self-choice effect). Across 14 experiments ( N = 1100) we found that memory for choice alternatives was improved by choosing versus being assigned information to remember. A subset of 3 experiments found a bigger self-choice effect for more difficult choices. And a subset of 6 experiments found that prior acts of self-control reduce the self-choice effect. These findings represent unbiased estimates of the self-choice effect ( d = 0. 62), the magnitude of the self-choice effect for easy ( d = 0.35) versus more difficult ( d = 0.87) choices, and the effect of ego depletion on choice memory ( d = 0.39). Discussion centers on the role of cognitive control.