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Updated: Feb 24, 2026

A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test
Published on: May 16, 2017
Revisiting the age-prospective memory-paradox: the role of planning and task experience
Alexandra Hering1, Sergio A Cortez2, Matthias Kliegel1
1Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The present study aimed at investigating age-related differences in prospective memory performance using a paradigm with high ecological validity and experimental control. Thirty old and 30 young adults completed the Dresden Breakfast task; a meal preparation task in the lab that comprises several subtasks including event- and time-based prospective memory tasks. Participants were required to plan how to perform the task. Results showed that young adults outperformed old adults: they completed more subtasks, showed better event- and time-based prospective memory performance and planning quality. In contrast, old adults adhered to their plans more closely than young adults. Further exploratory gender-specific analyses indicated that old women did not differ from young men in time-based prospective memory performance, general task performance and time monitoring in contrast to old men. Possibly, differences in experience in breakfast preparation might account for these differential findings.
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