Why Do We Step on the Same Rake? The Occurrence of Recurring Errors in the Learning Process

Abstract

The present study investigated the occurrence of recurring errors in the learning process. Our goal was to determine the reasons for recurring errors. In considering these reasons we were trying to find the characteristic features of incorrect responses at the beginning of a learning process in order to predict the occurrence of recurring errors in the learning process. Response times and confidence measures were used as the predictors of error repetition. The results of two experiments have shown that response times and confidence levels for the recurring and singular errors at the beginning of learning are different. Response times were shorter for recurring errors than for singular errors at the beginning of a learning process. This information can be used to predict the repetition of such errors further along during learning. In addition, in both experiments, the correct responses were slower for stimuli that would cause recurring errors in the future. This allowed us to predict the repetition of such errors. Participants’ confidence estimates also varied with different types of erroneous responses and allowed the repetition of errors during the learning process to be predicted. Thus, our results allow the prediction of error repetition and also can be used to make suggestions about the phenomenon of recurring errors and the causes of their occurrence.