Event-Based Prospective Memory Paper

The Influence of Task Complexity on Event-based Prospective Memory and Task Performance
Australian College of Applied Psychology

Abstract
Event-based prospective memory was evaluated in an experiment to determine the effects of task complexity on the ability of individuals to recall previously intended actions. Alongside this evaluation we attempted to analyse the affects of task complexity on an individual 's overall performance of an ongoing task. Participants were required to undergo a series of word trials and to make judgments on each, embedded within these trials were prospective memory cues which needed to be identified by the participant. The results were consistent with previous evidence of prospective
Two aspects of prospective memory have been established as time-based and event-based. Time-based prospective memory relies on using time as a reminder to perform previously intended actions. For example, being aware that it is 7:00pm reminds you to take the bread you are baking out of the oven. Event-based prospective memory is based on using environmental cues to remind ourselves to perform the intended task, examples of this could be leaving a bag of garbage by the front door as a reminder to take out the garbage bins for weekly collection, or passing an office supply store on your way home could serve as a good cue to buy more ink for your printer (McDaniels & Einstein, 2007). Event-based prospective memory is concurrent with the study we have undertaken here. In order to successfully apply either aspect of prospective memory one must fulfill certain conditions (i.e., passing the office supply store). Being able to recognise that certain conditions need to be fulfilled in order to perform the intended task is often viewed as the principle reason that prospective memories may differ from retrospective memories (Marsh, Hancock & Hicks,