External memory aids in prospective memory tasks

Abstract

This study investigated how the availability of external memory aids affects the cognitive processes in prospective memory tasks. Forty-eight subjects were instructed to memorize to-be-executed scripts and to-be-recalled scripts, and then perform the former scripts three minutes after the start of a recognition test. Before the recognition test, subjects in the timer and memo instruction conditions were informed they could utilize a timer and a memo, respectively. The results indicated that in the "no instruction" condition, recognition latencies were shorter for words from the to-be-executed scripts than for words from the to-be-recalled scripts (intention superiority effect). This did not occur in either the timer or memo instruction conditions. Moreover, the time-monitoring frequency was decreased only in the timer instruction condition. The results suggest that the external memory aids affect the rehearsal and monitoring processes in prospective memory tasks.