Tip-of-the-Tongue and Feeling-of-Knowing Experiences Enhance Metacognitive Sensitivity of Confidence Evaluation of Semantic Memory.

In this study, we used a multidimensional extension of signal detection theory called general recognition theory (GRT) to evaluate the influence of tip-of-the-tongue states (TOT) and feeling-of-knowing (FOK) experiences on the metacognitive sensitivity of recognition confidence judgments. In two experiments, we asked participants to recall names of famous individuals (Experiment 1) or to recall correct answers to a series of general-knowledge questions (Experiment 2). If recall failed for any trial, participants provided metacognitive judgments of TOT and FOK, memory recognition responses, and metacognitive judgments of confidence on those recognition responses. To evaluate the influence of TOT and FOK on the metacognitive sensitivity of confidence judgments, we fit two different GRT models and constructed two sensitivity vs. metacognition curves, each representing changes in metacognitive sensitivity of confidence, as a function of the strength of TOT or FOK. The results showed that experiencing a TOT or a high FOK is associated with an increase in metacognitive sensitivity of confidence judgments. These results are the first report of influence of TOT and FOK on metacognitive sensitivity of confidence.