Cognitive control and Controlled Retrieval

Event Center A & B

The study examined cognitive control and controlled retrieval processes which are important functions associated with working memory and episodic memory. Much research has been conducted on the two separately, although limited research has been done to show how the two work together. The task used to measure cognitive control was the AXCPT task and the task used to measure controlled retrieval was the MST task. The purpose of the experiment was to contrast AXCPT scores in different cue probe delays with the MST, to understand whether or not The MST can predict scores on the AX-CPT. It was hypothesized that individuals who score high on the MST will perform better on the AX-CPT than those who score lower. Furthermore, the experiment consisted of 60 participants, were all English speaking, and 18 years of age or older. They were presented with two computer tasks, one at a time. Here they were tested on their ability to use cognitive control and controlled retrieval. A 2x2x4 mixed subjects ANOVA was ran to analyze the results. The results showed that when performance in the MST was lower, participants performed better on the BX trial of the AX-CPT, and slower on the AY trial, thus finding opposite results than what was predicted. This demonstrated people with good working memory tend to do worse in tasks that require the use of episodic memory.