An investigation of the influence of gender and menstrual cycle phase on metacognitive judgments of efficacy

Verbal memory, verbal working memory, processing speed and visual attention have been reported to be enhanced in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, as compared with the menstrual phase. However, many women report diminished cognitive abilities in the luteal phase, as compared with other phases of the menstrual cycle. This study attempted to examine the nature of the apparent discrepancy between cognitive functioning and self reported cognitive efficacy. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological measures in each phase of the menstrual cycle and were asked to rate their perceived efficacy, both before and after performing each task. Male participants were included as a control group. Accuracy of perceived efficacy was calculated as the difference between efficacy ratings and actual performance. Results failed to replicate findings of cognitive facilitation in the luteal phase, and failed to find reliable differences in pre or postdiction accuracy between phase or sex.