Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory
08:16

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory

Published on: May 11, 2020

7.7K

Where Is My Mind…? The Link between Mind Wandering and Prospective Memory

Jean-Charles Girardeau1, Marco Sperduti1, Philippe Blondé2

  • 1Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (LMC2 UR7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.

Brain Sciences
|September 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Mind wandering, when attention shifts to inner thoughts, is common. Surprisingly, only past-oriented thoughts, not future-planning, predict prospective memory performance.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Mind wandering (MW) is a frequent human experience where attention deviates from the present task.
  • MW is often future-oriented and may play a role in prospective memory (PM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between mind wandering and prospective memory performance.
  • To understand the temporal orientation of mind wandering content and its impact on intention fulfillment.

Main Methods:

  • A 15-day experience-sampling study using mobile phone probes with 226 participants.
  • Assessed mind wandering frequency and prospective memory performance in a naturalistic setting.

Main Results:

  • Mind wandering constitutes 40% of mental activity, predominantly future-oriented (64%).
  • Future-oriented thoughts included long-term anticipation (20%) and daily planning (44%).
  • Only past-oriented thoughts (9%) were found to predict prospective memory performance.

Conclusions:

  • Mind wandering's role in prospective memory may be more complex than previously assumed.
  • Past-oriented thinking, rather than future-oriented planning, appears crucial for maintaining intentions.
Keywords:
experience samplingmind wanderingprospective memory

More Related Videos

Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control09:37

Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control

Published on: July 5, 2015

9.1K
A Dual Task Procedure Combined with Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Test Attentional Blink for Nontargets08:45

A Dual Task Procedure Combined with Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Test Attentional Blink for Nontargets

Published on: December 5, 2014

9.3K

Related Concept Videos

Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...
415
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness01:19

High-Level and Low-Level Awareness

Controlled processes in human consciousness represent high-alert mental states where individuals deliberately focus their attention on achieving specific goals. Controlled processes can be seen in situations like mastering new technology, where a person might become so absorbed that they ignore surrounding distractions. Such processes involve selective attention, requiring one to concentrate on particular elements of experience while disregarding others. These are governed by executive...
358
Interference and Decay01:16

Interference and Decay

Forgetting is a complex cognitive phenomenon influenced by several factors, among which interference and decay are particularly prominent. These processes explain why individuals often struggle to retrieve specific information from memory, leading to lapses in recall that can be observed in everyday situations.
Interference occurs when competing memories hinder the retrieval of particular information. It can be classified into two types: proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive...
192
Implicit Memories01:24

Implicit Memories

Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...
179
Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory01:22

Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory

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...
275
Metacognition01:26

Metacognition

Metacognition is a conscious process where individuals are aware of their cognitive and executive processes, such as planning before solving a problem or self-monitoring during reading. For instance, a writer may need help with composing a piece. The situation involves a writer who is working on a piece of writing, but while doing so, they realize that something is missing. They notice that their characters lack depth or details. This realization occurs because the writer is reflecting on their...
261