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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Complex prospective memory: development across the lifespan and the role of task interruption
Matthias Kliegel1, Rachael Mackinlay, Theodor Jäger
1Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. kliegel@psychologie.tu-dresden.de
Developmental Psychology
|March 12, 2008
Summary
Prospective memory (PM) development across the lifespan shows an inverted U-shape, particularly when tasks require interrupting ongoing activities. Executive functions, like inhibitory control, are key to successful PM performance.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Prospective memory (PM) involves forming, retaining, and executing intentions.
- Lifespan changes in PM are thought to be linked to executive functions.
- Previous research has not comprehensively assessed complex PM across all age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in the four phases of prospective memory.
- To examine the role of executive control functions in prospective memory development.
- To determine if task interruption impacts prospective memory performance across the lifespan.
Main Methods:
- A complex prospective memory task was administered to children, young adults, and older adults.
- The task assessed intention formation, retention, initiation, and execution.
- Intention execution was manipulated to include conditions with and without active task interruption.
Main Results:
- Inverted U-shaped performance patterns were observed in intention formation, initiation, and execution phases.
- Age differences were more pronounced in intention execution when active task interruption was required.
- This study provides the first evidence of complex PM's growth and decline across the lifespan.
Conclusions:
- Complex prospective memory exhibits developmental changes across the lifespan, following an inverted U-shaped trajectory.
- Executive control, especially inhibitory control, is crucial for successful prospective memory.
- The ability to interrupt ongoing tasks is a significant factor in age-related prospective memory differences.
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