Determinants of time-monitoring on prospective memory tasks

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine determinants of time-monitoring to clarify the cognitive process in prospective memory tasks (i.e., tasks which require the timely execution of a previously intended action). Thirty-iwo participants were asked to perform future activities three minutes after the start of backgound tasks, and their time-monitoring responses were recorded. The results showed that higher motivation and less cognitive load led to higher time-monitoring frequency and better performance in prospective memory tasks. However, with time presentation, time-monitoring frequency could be reduced, while the performance in prospective memory tasks was improved. The findings indicate that information which facilitates the maintenance of inner time model is an important factor for effective time-monitoring. This study suggested that frequency of time-monitoring could be regarded as a critical factor in the theoretical analysis of prospective memory tasks.