M. Kliegel et al., Plan formation, retention, and execution in prospective memory: A new approach and age-related effects, MEM COGNIT, 28(6), 2000, pp. 1041-1049
Existing laboratory paradigms of prospective memory instruct subjects to re
member to perform a single, isolated act at an appropriate point in the exp
eriment. These paradigms do not completely capture many everyday complex pr
ospective memory situations in which a series or set of delayed actions is
planned to be executed in some subsequent period of time. We adapted a labo
ratory paradigm within which to study these prospective memory processes, a
nd we investigated age-related influences on these prospective memory proce
sses. Age-related declines were found in the planning, initiation, and exec
ution of the set of tasks. In contrast, there were no age differences in pl
an retention or in the fidelity with which the plan was performed.