Abstract
We investigated whether mindfulness training (MT) influences information processing in a working memory task with complex
visual stimuli. Participants were tested before (T1) and after (T2) participation in an intensive one-month MT retreat, and
their performance was compared with that of an age- and education-matched control group. Accuracy did not differ across groups
at either time point. Response times were faster and significantly less variable in the MT versus the control group at T2.
Since these results could be due to changes in mnemonic processes, speed–accuracy trade-off, or nondecisional factors (e.g.,
motor execution), we used a mathematical modeling approach to disentangle these factors. The EZ-diffusion model (Wagenmakers,
van der Maas, & Grasman, Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 14:(1), 3–22, 2007) suggested that MT leads to improved information quality and reduced response conservativeness, with no changes in nondecisional
factors. The noisy exemplar model further suggested that the increase in information quality reflected a decrease in encoding
noise and not an increase in forgetting. Thus, mathematical modeling may help clarify the mechanisms by which MT produces
salutary effects on performance.
visual stimuli. Participants were tested before (T1) and after (T2) participation in an intensive one-month MT retreat, and
their performance was compared with that of an age- and education-matched control group. Accuracy did not differ across groups
at either time point. Response times were faster and significantly less variable in the MT versus the control group at T2.
Since these results could be due to changes in mnemonic processes, speed–accuracy trade-off, or nondecisional factors (e.g.,
motor execution), we used a mathematical modeling approach to disentangle these factors. The EZ-diffusion model (Wagenmakers,
van der Maas, & Grasman, Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 14:(1), 3–22, 2007) suggested that MT leads to improved information quality and reduced response conservativeness, with no changes in nondecisional
factors. The noisy exemplar model further suggested that the increase in information quality reflected a decrease in encoding
noise and not an increase in forgetting. Thus, mathematical modeling may help clarify the mechanisms by which MT produces
salutary effects on performance.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.3758/s13415-011-0048-8
- Authors
- Marieke K. van Vugt, Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 9, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Amishi P. Jha, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience
- Online ISSN 1531-135X
- Print ISSN 1530-7026