Reinforced Self‐Affirmation Method: Metamemory Monitoring and Control Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Reinforced self‐affirmation (RSA) is a method developed to reduce the misinformation effect through boosted self‐confidence. The current study aimed to explore the monitoring and control mechanisms of RSA. We hypothesized that RSA may be based on metamemory processes, either during monitoring or control. Eighty participants watched a bank robbery video, half with and half without RSA, and then answered 40 cued recall questions about the video. To test the effect of RSA on monitoring, we requested confidence ratings, and to test the effects on control we gave participants the chance to report or withhold their responses. The results showed that RSA increased resolution during monitoring and that it did not affect control measures. Understanding the mechanisms by which the RSA reduces the misinformation effect, new applications of the technique could be developed in the future.