Does receiving positive or negative feedback change our memories about a decision we made?

Abstract

Abstract The study explored differences in decision recall between junior and senior decision-makers, focusing on accuracy (ACC) and response times (RTs) under varying feedback conditions. 117 participants completed 10 real-life decision-making scenarios, and their decision recall was examined in relation to feedback valence (positive or negative), decision-making styles, and tendencies toward Maximization. Results indicated that both junior and senior decision-makers recalled decisions with positive feedback more accurately than those with negative feedback, aligning with the “positivity bias” theory, where individuals tend to remember positive experiences more than negative ones. Seniors showed stronger recall for decisions with positive feedback but weaker for those with negative feedback compared to juniors, who performed better with negative feedback decisions recall. This pattern may reflect differences in professional experience and feedback processing across career stages, consistent with research on positivity and negativity biases. Regarding RTs, seniors had slower recall for decisions with positive feedback, potentially reflecting deeper cognitive processing, while both groups were slower to recall decisions with positive information overall. The study also found that individuals with higher Maximization tendencies, especially juniors, recalled decisions with negative feedback better, while seniors with avoidant decision-making styles were less accurate in recalling decisions with negative feedback. These findings highlight the importance of feedback delivery in professional environments and suggest that balancing positive and negative feedback is critical to maintain motivation and performance. Future research should further explore how expertise and individual differences affect decision recall and consider a neuroscientific approach to better understand the cognitive processes involved.