Working Memory Load and Reminder Effect on Event-Based Prospective Memory of High- and Low-Achieving Students in Math

Abstract

The effects of working memory (WM) demand and reminders on an event-based prospective memory (PM) task were compared between students with low and high achievement in math. WM load (1- and 2-back tasks) was manipulated as a within-subject factor and reminder (with or without reminder) as a between-subject factor. Results showed that high-achieving students outperformed low-achieving students on all PM and n-back tasks. Use of a reminder improved PM performance and thus reduced prospective interference; the performance of ongoing tasks also improved for all students. Both PM and n-back performances in low WM load were better than in high WM load. High WM load had more influence on low-achieving students than on high-achieving students. Results suggest that low-achieving students in math were weak at PM and influenced more by high WM load. Thus, it is important to train these students to set up an obvious reminder for their PM and improve their WM.

Differential Benefits of Prospective Memory Reminders Depending on Cognitive Load

“…Experiment 1 tested the effect of target reminders and varied cognitive load in an eventbased PM task using specific targets. Specific targets were chosen based on a wealth of research assessing PM performance with a single (e.g., focal) target (Chen et al, 2017;Einstein et al, 1 It should be noted that we initially conducted three other experiments that are not included in the current manuscript (https://osf.io/z59ru/ OSF -PMReminder.docx). In these studies, load was manipulated by comparing performance for 4 (low load) versus 8 (high load) specific targets for the first two (collected through SONA and then MTurk) and 5 (low load) versus 10 (high load) specific targets for the third (collected on MTurk).…”

“…For example, people can create to-do lists, update online calendars with future appointments, or set a gym bag next to their front door to not forget it before leaving for work. Previous studies on the effect of PM reminders in the laboratory have sought to examine the temporal characteristics of reminders (Vortac et al, 1995) , the type of effective reminders (Guynn et al, 1998), and the effectiveness of reminders under varied ongoing task loads (Chen et al, 2017). Vortac et al (1995) compared the effectiveness of reminders available at different time periods during an air traffic control PM task.…”

“…However, reminders of the target and target action combined improved PM performance. Finally, Chen et al (2017) manipulated ongoing task load by having participants do a 1-back or a 2-back task and found that reminders improved PM performance regardless of task load. Interestingly, although ongoing task load did not influence PM performance, reminders did result in better ongoing task performance during the high task load condition.…”

“…Of additional theoretical importance was the influence of reminders on ongoing task performance. Reminders could be used to reduce attentional demands associated with monitoring and reduce ongoing task costs (Chen et al, 2017). Alternatively, reminder checking could detract from ongoing task performance.…”

I could do it now, but I’d rather (forget to) do it later: examining links between procrastination and prospective memory failures

“…PM abilities allow us to remember to attend a meeting at a specific time, to call a family member on their birthday, to take our medication before breakfast, or to turn off the stove after preparing a meal. PM therefore plays a crucial role in everyday functioning across multiple domains, such as academic achievement, professional success, social relations, quality of life, functional independence and personal safety (e.g., Bedard, Verma, Collins, Song, & Paquet, 2016;Chen, Lian, Yang, Liu, & Meng, 2017;Hering, Kliegel, Rendell, Craik, & Rose, 2018;Raskin & Sohlberg, 1996;Schmitter-Edgecombe, Woo, & Greeley, 2009;Woods et al, 2015;Woods, Weinborn, Velnoweth, Rooney, & Bucks, 2012;Zeintl, Kliegel, Rast, & Zimprich, 2006).…”