We sought to determine whether Working Memory Capacity (WMC) predicts when an individual will exert or withhold cognitive control when faced with a control dilemma. We employed a high-congruency variation on the Stroop task to maximize conflict between automatic and controlled processing, and manipulated task instructions between participants to emphasize the importance of exerting cognitive control or convey typical speed/accuracy instructions. A 2 (trial type) x 2 (instructions) x 4 (WMC [quartiles]) analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed an interaction, in which instruction manipulations failed to affect the proportion of errors made by low- or mid-span individuals. High spans, however, made a lower proportion of errors when warned of task pitfalls than when not. Regression analyses suggested that, when warned of the pitfalls of relying on automatic processing, WMC and proportion of Stroop errors exhibit a negative, linear relationship. However, when the nature of the need to exert control was not explicit, a curvilinear pattern was observed. Those with high WMC appeared to strategically withhold control, relying instead on automatic processing. This led them to make a higher proportion of Stroop errors. Response latency data suggested that lower-mid-spans were most rigid in their exertion of control, while high spans were especially flexible across instruction conditions. These data suggest a higher WMC allows for increased cognitive efficiency of cognitive control exertion across varied contexts. These results could be the product of an increase in cognitive resources allowing for better metacognitive abilities in those with high WMC.
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