Abstract

According to the multiprocess framework (McDaniel and Einstein, 2000), the cognitive system can support prospective memory (PM) retrieval through two general pathways. One pathway depends on top–down attentional control processes that maintain activation of the intention and/or monitor the environment for the triggering or target cues that indicate that the intention should be executed. A second pathway depends on (bottom–up) spontaneous retrieval processes, processes that are often triggered by a PM target cue; critically, spontaneous retrieval is assumed not to require monitoring or active maintenance of the intention. Given demand characteristics associated with experimental settings, however, participants are often inclined to monitor, thereby potentially masking discovery of bottom–up spontaneous retrieval processes. In this article, we discuss parameters of laboratory PM paradigms to discourage monitoring and review recent behavioral evidence from such paradigms that implicate spontaneous retrieval in PM. We then re-examine the neuro-imaging evidence from the lens of the multiprocess framework and suggest some critical modifications to existing neuro-cognitive interpretations of the neuro-imaging results. These modifications illuminate possible directions and refinements for further neuro-imaging investigations of PM.

Highlights

  • Reviewed by: Sam Gilbert, University College London, UK Brian D

  • One pathway depends on top–down attentional control processes that maintain activation of the intention and/or monitor the environment for the triggering or target cues that indicate that the intention should be executed

  • A second pathway depends on spontaneous retrieval processes, processes that are often triggered by a prospective memory (PM) target cue; critically, spontaneous retrieval is assumed not to require monitoring or active maintenance of the intention

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Summary

Dual pathways to prospective remembering

Reviewed by: Sam Gilbert, University College London, UK Brian D. One pathway depends on top–down attentional control processes that maintain activation of the intention and/or monitor the environment for the triggering or target cues that indicate that the intention should be executed. A second pathway depends on (bottom–up) spontaneous retrieval processes, processes that are often triggered by a PM target cue; critically, spontaneous retrieval is assumed not to require monitoring or active maintenance of the intention. We re-examine the neuro-imaging evidence from the lens of the multiprocess framework and suggest some critical modifications to existing neurocognitive interpretations of the neuro-imaging results. These modifications illuminate possible directions and refinements for further neuro-imaging investigations of PM

Dual Pathways to Prospective Remembering
PM Retrieval Processes and Behavioral Evidence
Usefulness of Exploring Multiple Processes
Implications for the Neuroscience of PM
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Directions for Future Work
Findings
Methodological Considerations

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