Self-referential information optimizes conflict adaptation

Mem Cognit. 2024 Apr;52(3):648-662. doi: 10.3758/s13421-023-01490-8. Epub 2024 Jan 23.

Abstract

Self-referential information has been shown to optimize behavioral performance in various domains. The present study examined the role of self-referential information as a cue to enhance cognitive control and, more specifically, conflict adaptation. A revised color Stroop task was used with stimuli consisting of possessive pronouns and color words (e.g., "my green"). The results showed that self-referential information reduced conflict adaptation (the congruency sequence effect at trial level in Experiment 1, at block level in Experiment 2, and the list-wide proportion congruency effect at block level in Experiment 3). These findings suggest that self-referential information can act as a cue to optimize conflict adaptation. This study highlights the role of self-referential information in cognitive control adjustments.

Keywords: Conflict adaptation; Self-referential information; Stroop task.

MeSH terms

  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Humans
  • Reaction Time
  • Stroop Test