Semantic Processing as a Significant Factor in Non-Focal Prospective Memory Cues

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore the impact of cue focality and semantic task-appropriate processing on prospective memory (PM) performance and whether this potential effect would be moderated by differences in ongoing task demands. A 3 X 2 mixed factorial design was used where cue focality (focal, semantic non-focal, nonsemantic non-focal) was manipulated within-participants, and ongoing task demands (high, low demands) were manipulated between-participants. A significant effect of focality was identified, where semantic non-focal cues have produced the lowest level of PM performance. Nevertheless, this effect was not moderated by ongoing task demands, which have also not affected PM performance independently. PM results are discussed in the light of the multi-process framework, arguing that semantic non-focal cues might have been perceived by the participants as less demanding, hence failing to engage controlled monitoring processes, which might have supported PM performance in such contexts.