Memory confidence and memory accuracy deterioration following repeated checking: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background and objectives: Rachman (2002) proposed a reciprocal detrimental relationship between repeated checking and memory confidence. Many experimental studies have indicated that repeated checking causes memory confidence deterioration while having no or little impact on memory accuracy. Thus, our main objective was to carry out a comprehensive meta-analysis to synthesize the existing research. Investigating the potential heterogeneity across studies using several moderator variables was also of interest.

Methods: The comprehensive search of several databases yielded 29 studies comprising 67 substudies (N = 2180). Considering the substantial heterogeneity across these (sub)studies, data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analytic approach. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were also carried out to explain some of the heterogeneity across studies.

Results: The pooled effect size (Hedges' g) was equal to 0.870 (95% CI = 0.712-1.027, p < 0.001) for memory confidence and 0.213 (95% CI = 0.118-0.307, p < 0.001) for memory accuracy. However, we found evidence of publication bias in the literature. For both outcome variables, the effect was larger in studies inducing high responsibility or using real stimuli. A greater number of repeated checks was only associated with memory confidence decline.

Limitations: Results obtained from the analogue samples may have lower generalizability to people with OCD.

Conclusions: Repeated checking considerably deteriorates memory confidence while having a minor effect on memory accuracy. It is not clear whether memory accuracy contributes to memory confidence deterioration, particularly because memory accuracy declines were moderate in studies inducing high responsibility or using real objects.

Keywords: Compulsive checking; Memory; Memory accuracy; Memory confidence; Meta-Analysis; OCD.