Planning and Navigating in an Unfamiliar Location: Effects of Outsourcing on Memory
Advisor Information
Dr. Bethany Lyon
Location
MBSC 201
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2020 12:30 PM
End Date
6-3-2020 1:45 PM
Abstract
Outsourcing is the process of using some external tool as a memory aid so that we do not need to retain information relying on solely our memory abilities. The independent variables in the study are navigation source (GPS determined versus self-generated) manipulated within subjects, and test instruction (counter-outsourcing, outsourcing, incidental learning group) manipulated between subjects. The counter-outsourcing participants were told they would be tested on the route. The outsourcing participants were told they could use the map later. The incidental learning participants were not told about a test. Our dependent variables include the participants’ memory for the route (outsourced material), and their memory for the tasks they were asked to complete location (non-outsourced material). When participants used GPS, they were instructed to take a specific route. We informed them of each stop they would make, as well as what tasks they needed to complete. When the participants were instructed to create their own route, they were informed of the stops that needed to be made, as well as the tasks they needed to complete. We expect a main effect of navigation source for route memory favoring self-generated routes. We also anticipate a main effect of test instruction, with best route memory in the counter-outsourcing condition. We expect greater memory for non-outsourced material in the outsourcing condition who believed they could forget route details. These findings will help clarify the role of the generation effect in outsourcing, and how outsourcing impacts memory for both outsourced material as well as non-outsourced material.
Planning and Navigating in an Unfamiliar Location: Effects of Outsourcing on Memory
MBSC 201
Outsourcing is the process of using some external tool as a memory aid so that we do not need to retain information relying on solely our memory abilities. The independent variables in the study are navigation source (GPS determined versus self-generated) manipulated within subjects, and test instruction (counter-outsourcing, outsourcing, incidental learning group) manipulated between subjects. The counter-outsourcing participants were told they would be tested on the route. The outsourcing participants were told they could use the map later. The incidental learning participants were not told about a test. Our dependent variables include the participants’ memory for the route (outsourced material), and their memory for the tasks they were asked to complete location (non-outsourced material). When participants used GPS, they were instructed to take a specific route. We informed them of each stop they would make, as well as what tasks they needed to complete. When the participants were instructed to create their own route, they were informed of the stops that needed to be made, as well as the tasks they needed to complete. We expect a main effect of navigation source for route memory favoring self-generated routes. We also anticipate a main effect of test instruction, with best route memory in the counter-outsourcing condition. We expect greater memory for non-outsourced material in the outsourcing condition who believed they could forget route details. These findings will help clarify the role of the generation effect in outsourcing, and how outsourcing impacts memory for both outsourced material as well as non-outsourced material.