INTERRUPTING INTENTIONS - ZEIGARNIK-LIKE EFFECTS IN PROSPECTIVE MEMORY

In two experiments, we examined the effects of task interruption on me mory for intentions. Participants studied a series of anagrams, of whi ch they solved one-half (Exp. 1) or two-thirds (Exp. 2), whereas the s olution of the remaining items was interrupted by the experimenter. Fu rthermore, four anagrams (prospective cue items) differed from the rem aining anagrams in that the third letter of each item was underlined. Participants were instructed to decide whether a subsequently presente d (target) anagram contained the same or a different third letter as t he underlined letter of the cue item. The results of both experiments showed Zeigarnik-like effects in prospective memory, so that cue items that were associated with interruption in the anagram task were bette r reminders than were items that were associated with completion. Thes e findings suggest that interruption of an ongoing activity facilitate s subsequent prospective memory performance, possibly by increasing th e level of activation of the underlying intention representation that, in turn. increases the individual's sensitivity to identify the targe t event.