Obsessive-Compulsive Memory Study

Statement of the Problem:
Woods, et al. (2002) concluded in their recent meta-analysis of memory and compulsive checking that a deficit may exist for checkers on several different types of memory tasks, including verbal and visual recall, and recall of actions. Evidence of memory deficits have led some to hypothesize that compulsive checking may be a rational attempt to compensate for poor memory (Ecker & Engelkamp, 1995).
Other researchers (Rachman, 2002; Salkovskis & Kirk, 1997) have questioned the validity of studies purporting to show a memory deficit and write that evidence of poor memory in checkers is, at best, inconclusive. They write that checking may be caused by poor confidence in memory, rather than a specific memory deficit. This has led investigators to examine beliefs that checkers have about their memory.

Specific Aims:
We sought to examine memory performance and beliefs about memory in compulsive checkers using different memory tests.

Design:
Sub-clinical checkers and non-checkers will be asked to complete different tests of verbal memory. Different memory ratings (e.g., confidence in memory) are taken throughout.

Eligibility Criteria:
Participants must be enrolled in a University of Texas-Austin introduction to psychology class.

Project Coordinator/Contact Person: Jesse Cougle

Contact Phone number: 512-471-3722

Contact Email: cougle@mail.utexas.edu