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Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications
Fig. 1 | Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Fig. 1

From: Overreliance on inefficient computer-mediated information retrieval is countermanded by strategy advice that promotes memory-mediated retrieval

Fig. 1

Extended Alphanumeric Paradigm. Note. The paradigm is an extension of the classic alphanumeric paradigm (Compton & Logan, 1991; Logan & Klapp, 1991; also see Zbrodoff, 1995) and was already used in earlier research (Weis & Wiese, 2019). Participants have to solve alphanumerical problems of the format “letter + number = letter” and asked to indicate whether counting the indicated number up the alphabet from the former letter equals in the latter letter. For example, counting up the alphabet from A to D would inform the participant that “A + 3 = D” is a correct while “A + 3 = E” is an incorrect equation. Crucially, participants can over time transition from a slow internal counting to a fast internal retrieval strategy. In contrast to the classic paradigm, participants can in addition to solving alphanumeric equations by (1) counting up the alphabet [counting strategy] or (2) retrieving the correct solution from memory [internal retrieval strategy], also (3) move a mouse cursor—which spawns at one of four locations next to a black box—on top of that box that would then reveal the correct solution [external retrieval strategy]. Participants receive a 500 ms feedback when committing errors; the 2000 ms ITI would then be shortened accordingly

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