Presentation
Considerations for Participant Between-Study Memory Decay Periods in Human Factors Research
SessionPoster Session 2
DescriptionIntentional breaks from research study participation or treatments are commonly implemented in clinical research to reduce carryover effects from other, previous treatments or interventions, to enhance subject safety, and to improve scientific rigor. While no clinical treatment occurs during human factors (HF) usability testing, it is unknown whether previous HF study participation may bias study results in subsequent research. Due to this potential bias, it is common practice in industry to exclude participants from study enrollment if they report recent HF research study participation. The range of this exclusion period varies and can be dependent upon anecdotal experiences or difficulty of participant recruitment (e.g., specialized healthcare professionals, low prevalence diseases). However, there is no evidence-based information available regarding an appropriate between-study memory decay period for participants to reduce potential bias in HF research studies.
Therefore, the purpose of this poster is to determine an appropriate memory decay period, or break, between HF study participation for the general lay population. Based upon Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve, we hypothesized that a literature review would suggest a cognitive memory decay period of at least 31 days, as individuals are expected to retain only 1/5th of information ‘learned’ by that timepoint. We completed a systematic review of related literature of cognitive and motor memory decay among adults following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to suggest evidence-based guidelines for between-study memory decay periods. Identifying these guidelines for HF research may reduce unintentional bias and enhance rigor of HF study conduct.
Therefore, the purpose of this poster is to determine an appropriate memory decay period, or break, between HF study participation for the general lay population. Based upon Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve, we hypothesized that a literature review would suggest a cognitive memory decay period of at least 31 days, as individuals are expected to retain only 1/5th of information ‘learned’ by that timepoint. We completed a systematic review of related literature of cognitive and motor memory decay among adults following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to suggest evidence-based guidelines for between-study memory decay periods. Identifying these guidelines for HF research may reduce unintentional bias and enhance rigor of HF study conduct.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeTuesday, March 244:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationRhinelander Gallery
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices