Self-control saps memory resources(theguardian.com)
theguardian.com
Self-control saps memory resources
http://www.theguardian.com/science/neurophilosophy/2015/sep/07/self-control-saps-memory-resources
3 comments
> that would otherwise be used to retrieve a memory
Also to create a memory. Self control basically uses up part of working memory which has limited measurable amount of neurons.
Also to create a memory. Self control basically uses up part of working memory which has limited measurable amount of neurons.
I think "self-control" applies only in the context of the (much disputed) marshmallow experiment. Where adults are involved, some other kind of process should be identified. I'm thinking of this experiment as observation vs some kind of processing, like decision-making, where the input data are secondary to the result.
I remember reading about something similar in "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman.
You're probably thinking of ego depletion.
So basically, the very moment you're trying to keep yourself from acting on an urge, you're using neurons that would otherwise be used to retrieve a memory? Or am I misunderstanding something?