Memory decay and performance-related information bias in the reporting of scores by event riders.

This research investigates memory decay and information bias in horse event riders’ reporting of their scores in Great Britain. The study found poor performers were less likely to report accurate dressage scores than good performers, and this accuracy decreased over time. Also, competitors who previously incurred cross-country penalties reported fewer accurate scores compared to those who didn’t.

Overview of Research

The research examined the effects of memory decay and information bias in the reporting of eventing scores in horse riding events based on participant performance and recall time. Researchers used a sample of 173 cases (participants who had experienced a horse fall) and 521 controls (participants who had not experienced a horse fall) from a case-control study.

Research Approach and Assessments

• Researchers analyzed responses to two questions asked via telephone about participants’ performance in the dressage and cross-country phases of competitions.
• The study examined the effects of both case-control status (whether they had experienced a horse fall or not) and performance in the event on the accuracy of the marks reported by participants.
• The two aspects of performance in focus were the dressage and cross-country competitions.

Findings on Information Bias

• Information bias was apparent when the accuracy of dressage score reporting was analyzed based on performance level. Participants who performed poorly in dressage were less likely to accurately report their scores as compared to those who performed well.
• Competitors who had received cross-country jumping penalties at the event prior to the selected event reported their cross-country scores with less accuracy compared to those who incurred no penalties. This shows a correlation between previous performance and recollection of scores.

Findings on Memory Decay

• The accuracy of reported dressage scores reduced as the time between the horse riding event and questionnaire completion increased. This shows the presence of memory decay—in this case, the longer the time after the event, the less accurate was the recall.
• However, the study didn’t find a case-control interaction here, indicating that whether participants had a horse fall or not didn’t affect the memory decay.

No Information Bias Found for Case/Control

• The study did not find any information bias when the reported scores of both dressage and cross-country were assessed as a function of the respondent category (case or control). This suggests that the experience of having a horse fall did not bias competitors’ recollection of their scores.