Was I thinking about thinking about the task? Measurement issues with self-reports of task-related and task-unrelated thoughts

Abstract

In two studies we examined participants self-reports of their cognitive state after performing tasks. The reports of cognitive state included separate single item measures of task-related and task-unrelated thoughts framed as opposing sets (thoughts about X and –X). In study 1, we examined two data sets from previously published research. The correlation between task-related and task-unrelated thoughts was ~r = −.25. In addition, the two items loaded onto separate factors when they were combined with other measures from the Short Task Relevant Evaluation of Stress State (STRESS). In study 2, 33 participants played a simulated natural disaster strategy game for five sessions and after each session they self-reported their cognitive state during the game. The correlation between task-related and task-unrelated thoughts at the individual level was also low, ~r = −.24. Participants may have difficulties accurately rating their thought content post-engaging in a task.