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On the consistency of cognitive load

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  • Deck, Cary
  • Jahedi, Salar
  • Sheremeta, Roman

Abstract

There are many ways to induce cognitive load. In this paper, we manipulate cognitive capacity using four common techniques: a number memorization task, a visual pattern task, an auditory recall task, and time pressure. Under each load manipulation (as well as under ‘no load’), every participant completes a series of math problems, lottery tasks, logic puzzles, and allocation decisions. We find similar behavioral responses across all techniques: poorer performance on the math problems and logic puzzles, more risk aversion in the lottery tasks, and no systematic impact on allocation decisions. Using within-subject variation, we show that individuals whose math performance is most impacted for a given load manipulation (number memorization), are the same individuals whose performance is most impacted by other load manipulation, and in the other tasks. We also find that participants who scored above the median in a cognitive reflection test (CRT), and are thus able to resist the first response that comes to mind, are greatly impacted when placed under cognitive load; those scoring below the median in the CRT are not impacted much.

Suggested Citation

  • Deck, Cary & Jahedi, Salar & Sheremeta, Roman, 2021. "On the consistency of cognitive load," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:134:y:2021:i:c:s0014292121000489
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2021.103695
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    Cited by:

    1. Duffy, Sean & Gussman, Steven & Smith, John, 2021. "Visual judgments of length in the economics laboratory: Are there brains in stochastic choice?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    2. Ciril Bosch-Rosa & Brice Corgnet, 2022. "Cognitive finance," Chapters, in: Sascha Füllbrunn & Ernan Haruvy (ed.), Handbook of Experimental Finance, chapter 7, pages 73-88, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Ball, Sheryl & Katz, Benjamin & Li, Flora & Smith, Alec, 2023. "The effect of cognitive load on economic decision-making: a replication attempt," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 226-242.
    4. Adam Dominiak & Peter Duersch, 2024. "Choice under uncertainty and cognitive load," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 68(2), pages 133-161, April.
    5. Carpenter, Jeffrey P. & Munro, David, 2022. "Do Losses Trigger Deliberative Reasoning?," IZA Discussion Papers 15292, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cognitive load; Behavioral economics; Experimental design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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