Saving Resources for Future Demands—The Role of Instruction, Cognitive Load and Metacognition

Abstract

Two studies test the hypothesis of conserving resources while performing depleting physical tasks and the modifying role of metacognitive self (MCS). A total of 216 undergraduate students performed two types of physical tasks (a body support on forearms-the first experiment; and a cold water test-the second experiment) in anticipation vs. no anticipation of the future task conditions. Among individuals with high-MCS much weaker persistence could be observed than among those with low-MCS. These results support theories of adaptive goal disengagement suggesting that how individuals apply their resources may stem from other reasons than ego depletion.