Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
14.2K
Prompting technologies: A comparison of time-based and context-aware transition-based prompting
Kayela Robertson1, Cody Rosasco1, Kyle Feuz2
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
Summary
Prompting users during task transitions, rather than at fixed times, significantly improves adherence and user experience in cognitive interventions. This transition-based context prompting enhances the effectiveness of technology-assisted support.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive science and human-computer interaction
- Development of assistive technologies for cognitive support
Background:
- Technological advancements have led to new prompting systems for cognitive interventions.
- The optimal timing for delivering prompts to maximize intervention effectiveness remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of transition-based context prompting against traditional fixed time-based prompting.
- To evaluate user perceptions of different prompting strategies within a smart home environment.
Main Methods:
- 42 healthy adults participated in daily activities within a smart home testbed.
- Participants received prompts via an electronic memory notebook to record activity completion.
- Two conditions were tested: prompts delivered during activity transitions versus prompts delivered every 5 minutes.
Main Results:
- Participants receiving transition-based prompts showed higher initial response rates.
- The transition-based prompting group reported greater convenience, naturalness, and appropriateness compared to the time-based group.
- Perceptual ratings favored the transition-based context prompting system.
Conclusions:
- Prompting during activity transitions leads to better adherence and more favorable user perceptions.
- Context-aware transition prompting offers a promising method to enhance cognitive interventions.
- Findings support the integration of transition-based prompting for improved technology-assisted cognitive support.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
694
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
694
01:25The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic
7.9K
In order to make good decisions, we use our knowledge and our reasoning. Often, this knowledge and reasoning is sound and solid. However, sometimes, we are swayed by biases or by others manipulating a situation. For example, let’s say you and three friends wanted to rent a house and had a combined target budget of $1,600. The realtor shows you only very run-down houses for $1,600 and then shows you a very nice house for $2,000. Might you ask each person to pay more in rent to get the...
7.9K
01:24Reinforcement Schedules
692
Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
Once a behavior is learned,...
Once a behavior is learned,...
692
01:22Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory
739
Improving short-term memory can be achieved through techniques like chunking and rehearsal. Chunking involves organizing information into larger, more manageable units. This technique is particularly useful for information that exceeds the typical memory span of between five and nine items. For instance, logging into an online account with a password like "ta89vq0179gz" involves grouping letters and numbers into three chunks—ta89, vq01, and 79gz. It makes large amounts of...
739
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
451
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
451
01:52Persuasion Strategies
43.9K
Researchers have tested many persuasion strategies, including the foot-in-the door and the door-in-the-face techniques, in a variety of contexts. Ultimately, the principles are effective in selling products and changing people’s attitude, ideas, and behaviors (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004).
43.9K