The Effects of Age, Ability, and Memory Monitoring on Prospective Memory Task Performance

Abstract

In this study we examined the influences of age, ability, and monitoring on event-based prospective memory performance. Two samples of younger and older adults who differed in educational attainment and verbal ability were compared. Monitoring of the prospective task was measured through use of an on-line thought probe. Results yielded comparable prospective memory performance for the age/ability groups. On-line monitoring responses revealed a higher frequency of task-irrelevant thoughts among younger adults compared to older adults. However, on-line monitoring data were not related to prospective memory performance. Recognition memory was the strongest predictor of successful prospective memory, followed by working memory. These findings and their implications for current conceptions of prospective memory aging are discussed.