The metamemory approach to confidence: A test using semantic memory
Abstract
The metamemory approach to memory confidence was extended and elaborated to deal
with semantic memory tasks. The metamemory approach assumes that memory confidence
is based on the products and processes of a completed memory task, as well as
metamemory beliefs that individuals have about how their memory products and processes
relate to memory accuracy. In two experiments participants were asked deceptive
and nondeceptive questions involving geographical information. In both experiments, as
predicted by the metamemory approach to memory confidence, there was a positive confidence/
accuracy relationship for nondeceptive items and a negative relationship for
deceptive items. Experiment 2 used items that constrained the memory strategies (e.g.,
hierarchical reasoning about spatial location) used by the participants. The results supported
the hypothesis that the participants were aware of the levels of memory accuracy
associated with the different strategies and used that information to generate their memory
confidence judgments.