The contribution of metamemory beliefs to the font size effect on judgments of learning: Is word frequency a moderating factor?

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 20;16(9):e0257547. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257547. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Previous studies found that metamemory beliefs dominate the font size effect on judgments of learning (JOLs). However, few studies have investigated whether beliefs about font size contribute to the font size effect in circumstances of multiple cues. The current study aims to fill this gap. Experiment 1 adopted a 2 (font size: 70 pt vs. 9 pt) * 2 (word frequency (WF): high vs. low) within-subjects design. The results showed that beliefs about font size did not mediate the font size effect on JOLs when multiple cues (font size and WF) were simultaneously provided. Experiment 2 further explored whether WF moderates the contribution of beliefs about font size to the font size effect, in which a 2 (font size: 70 pt vs. 9 pt, as a within-subjects factor) * 2 (WF: high vs. low, as a between-subjects factor) mixed design was used. The results showed that the contribution of beliefs about font size to the font size effect was present in a pure list of low-frequency words, but absent in a pure list of high-frequency words. Lastly, a meta-analysis showed evidence supporting the proposal that the contribution of beliefs about font size to the font size effect on JOLs is moderated by WF. Even though numerous studies suggested beliefs about font size play a dominant role in the font size effect on JOLs, the current study provides new evidence suggesting that such contribution is conditional. Theoretical implications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Judgment
  • Learning*
  • Male
  • Mental Recall / physiology*
  • Metacognition
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual
  • Size Perception / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 31671130, 32171045], http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/, and L. L. is the funding recipient for this study. This study was also supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 32000742], http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/, and CL. Y. is the funding recipient for this study. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.