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A pre-registered naturalistic observation of within domain mental fatigue and domain-general depletion of self-control

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  • Daniel Randles
  • Iain Harlow
  • Michael Inzlicht

Abstract

Self-control is often believed to operate as if it were a finite, domain-general resource. However, recent attempts to demonstrate this under transparent conditions have failed to yield positive results. In the current study, we monitor two groups of students (N1 = 8,867, N2 = 8,754) over separate 17-week intervals with 24-hour coverage, as they engage in voluntary learning and self-testing using an online program. We use daily behavior to assess whether time-of-day effects support domain-general theories of self-control. Additionally, we assess whether mental fatigue emerges within task during prolonged persistent effort. Results reveal within-task fatigue emerges within an hour on-task. However, there is a negligible effect on ability throughout the day. Additionally, time-of-day has no detrimental effect on motivation; rather there is a strong tendency to increase learning time at night. Results are consistent with theories indicating people lose motivation within a specific task, but at odds with theories that argue for a domain-general self-control resource.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Randles & Iain Harlow & Michael Inzlicht, 2017. "A pre-registered naturalistic observation of within domain mental fatigue and domain-general depletion of self-control," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0182980
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182980
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John H Lurquin & Laura E Michaelson & Jane E Barker & Daniel E Gustavson & Claudia C von Bastian & Nicholas P Carruth & Akira Miyake, 2016. "No Evidence of the Ego-Depletion Effect across Task Characteristics and Individual Differences: A Pre-Registered Study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(2), pages 1-20, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meier, Armando N. & Levav, Jonathan & Meier, Stephan, 2020. "Early Release and Recidivism," IZA Discussion Papers 13035, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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