Development and validation of a novel Context-Based Prospective Memory Task among neurotypical adults

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Prospective memory (PM) assessment is crucial for understanding cognitive function.
• Existing PM tasks may not be culturally suitable for diverse populations, particularly in India.
• There is a need for context-based PM tasks that reflect real-world scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel context-based prospective memory task tailored for the Indian population.
• To assess the psychometric properties of this new PM assessment tool.
• To address the limitations of existing PM assessment methods in the Indian context.

Main Methods:

• A semi-immersive 3-D shopping mall environment was used to embed PM and ongoing tasks.
• The task design and scoring were based on the Memory for Intentions Screening Test.
• Fifty neurotypical adults in Mangaluru were recruited and administered the novel task and the Memory of Intentions Test (MIST).

Main Results:

• The novel PM task demonstrated excellent validity (Content Validity Index=0.98).
• High test-retest reliability (ICC=0.92) and inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.98) were observed.
• Strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.86) and split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown=0.87) were confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The novel context-based PM task is a valid and reliable measure of prospective memory.
• This tool offers valuable insights into PM mechanisms within a culturally relevant context.
• The task is suitable for inclusion in cognitive assessment batteries for neurotypical adults in India.