A multinomial model of event-based prospective memory.
Prospective memory is remembering to perform an action in the future. The authors introduce the 1st formal model of event-based prospective memory, namely, a multinomial model that includes 2 separate parameters related to prospective memory processes. The 1st measures preparatory attentional processes, and the 2nd measures retrospective memory processes. The model was validated in 4 experiments. Manipulations of instructions to place importance on either the prospective memory task or the background task (Experiments 1 and 2) and manipulations of distinctiveness of prospective memory targets (Experiment 2) had expected effects on model parameters, as did a manipulation of the difficulty of prospective memory target encoding (Experiments 3 and 4). An alternative model was also evaluated.
Smith
Rebekah E
RE
Department of Psychology, CB 3270, Davie Hall, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. rebekah@unc.edu
Bayen
Ute J
UJ
D001288:Attention; D003118:Color Perception; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011930:Reaction Time; D012660:Semantics; D013997:Time Factors