An Evaluation of the Realization of Delayed Intentions Using Task Switching

The gateway hypothesis provides a theoretical link between task switching and prospective memory. Two experiments explored this relationship by measuring event-related potentials in a task switching paradigm with an embedded prospective memory component. The goal of the first experiment was to test the efficacy of prospective memory models under increasing attentional demands, by comparing prospective memory performance in conditions with and without task switching, and determine which component of prospective memory is effortful. The goal of the second experiment was to create an examination of the relationship between task switching and prospective memory, by including consecutive prospective trials. Results from the first experiment lead to the suggestion that both early and late components of prospective memory are effected by increased attentional demands, which is partially consistent with the models of prospective memory. Analysis of the second experiment resulted in evidence in favor of relationship between task switching and prospective memory, by revealing a task coordination effect in the data.