Applying Regulatory Fit to Memory Confidence: A Test of the Regulatory Fit Framework

Abstract

Regulatory fit effects have been hypothesized to be caused by a “feeling of rightness.” I applied the regulatory fit framework to the novel area of memory confidence in a test of the proposed feeling of rightness mechanism. I accomplished this by manipulating regulatory fit using a median split on the Regulatory Focus Questionnaire and randomly assigning participants to a task reward structure (gains or losses). Participants completed a standard recognition memory test and rated their confidence in their memory judgments. I examined how regulatory fit affects confidence in accurate memories and false memories. I explored whether regulatory fit affects another measure of memory confidence, that of global predictions and post-dictions of memory performance. I also examined whether methodology impacted regulatory fit effects. Results indicated that regulatory fit did not affect confidence in accurate memories or false memories, memory performance, or global predictions or second-order judgments. Regulatory fit did affect global post-dictions. Memory confidence methodology did not alter any effects.