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Patrycja Didyk, Marek Nieznański
The choice-induced preference change (CIPC) effect observed in the free-choice paradigm (FCP) is hypothesized to be the result of cognitive dissonance reduction at revaluation. However, the role of self-based metacognitive processes in this mechanism is a subject of debate. This research investigates whether memory processes, studied from the perspective of the dual recollection theory, are involved in the CIPC effect. In two studies, after performing the FCP, participants were asked about their memory for their own choice, using the conjoint-recognition memory paradigm. In Study 1 (N = 72), we used three conditions differing in the sequence of ratings and choice task and in the kind of assessed attributes of objects. The results showed that recollection of choice was lowest for chosen objects with opposite-to-choice change in desirability rating, while familiarity was lowest for chosen objects with consistent with choice change in rating. These differences were not observed for the safety rating and for the control procedure with choice made after ratings. In Study 2 (N = 58), we manipulated the level of similarity of paired objects in the choice phase and found that the CIPC effect was higher for close pairs than for distant pairs. Unlike in Study 1, the CIPC effect was not accompanied by predicted differences in choice recollection. For distant pairs, memory for choice was significantly better for items whose ratings remained stable. These results do not support suggestions that memory for choice is involved in dissonance reduction at the second rating of the FCP.
