Actual Memory Ability Significantly Predicts Self-Evaluations of Memory

Abstract

A number of researchers have suggested that confidence in one's memory is extremely flexible and that self-evaluations may actually reflect the difficulty of the memory task - rather than one's actual memory skill. This study examined this effect and related confidence in one's memory to actual memory skill, as measured by standardized neuropsychological tests of memory. We found that, indeed, confidence in one's memory can be altered. However, we observed that the best predictor of self-evaluation of memory was, in fact, actual memory skill as measured by standardized tests. We suggest that self-evaluation of memory and confidence in one's memory accurately reflects memory skill,although this evaluation can be slightly affected by the difficulty with which the memory is retrieved.