The CyberCruiser: An investigation of development of prospective memory inchildren

Prospective memory can be defined as the timely execution of a previously f ormed intention, and is critical in daily life because of its inherent invo lvement in goal-directed behavior. Cognitive systems involved in prospectiv e memory have been hypothesized as involving the frontal cortex, and in adu lts, associated with working memory and executive functions. This study int roduces a new computerized measure of prospective memory designed for child ren. In this study prospective memory is examined in a driving game task ca lled the CyberCruiser. In a sample of 80 children ages 6-12 years, variable s from this task demonstrated a significant age effect and were significant ly correlated with other well known measures of executive function, even af ter controlling for chronological age. Performance on this task also demons trated the anticipated pattern of strategic monitoring that has been demons trated in other studies of prospective memory.