The Collapse of Ego Depletion

Introduction

• Michael Inzlicht shares his personal and professional journey with the theory of ego depletion.
• The theory suggests self-control relies on a finite resource that can be depleted.
• Initially celebrated but later discovered to be flawed.

The Rise of Ego Depletion

• Emerged in the 1990s; posited self-control as a limited resource.
• Influenced various domains like overeating, procrastination, decision making.
• Gained wide acceptance; even President Obama cited it.

Theoretical and Empirical Challenges

• Early 2010s: questions arose about the nature of the depleted resource.
  • Glucose was considered but later dismissed.
• Theoretical critiques suggested alternative explanations like shifting motivation.

Replication Failures

• Whispers of issues with ego depletion began in conference circles.
• Failed replication studies emerged; some were preregistered, lending them credibility.
• Meta-analyses revealed biases and flaws in previous supportive studies.

Registered Replication Reports

• Large-scale replications (24 labs, 2,000 participants) found no effect.
• Further replication with tighter controls also showed negligible effects.
• The theory was effectively debunked.

Why 600 Studies Were Wrong

• No conspiracy, but a mix of seductive ideas, questionable methods, and publication bias.
• Historical examples of flawed findings (e.g., ESP) due to similar issues.
• Acknowledges the shaky foundation of psychology's concepts.

Ego Depletion vs. Fatigue

• Baumeister acknowledges fatigue effects but not ego depletion.
• Long-term, effortful tasks lead to fatigue, not the short-term depletion originally posited.
• Calls for reconsideration of existing literature on fatigue, not ego depletion.

Lessons for Science

• Highlights dangers of scientific overreach and importance of rigorous methods.
• Emphasizes learning from failures like ego depletion.

Conclusion

• Encourages a more robust approach to science and psychology.
• Announces a virtual event to discuss similar topics, inviting broader participation.

Additional Information

• "Drink and Regret": Virtual happy hour to discuss posts on debunked psychological theories.
• Open invitation for the first session, offering a platform for engagement and discussion.