A future memory is known as prospective memory. It's the ability to remember to perform an action or recall a planned intention at some point in the future. This type of memory is crucial for everyday tasks like remembering to pick up groceries after work or taking medication at a specific time.
Prospective memory involves several cognitive processes:
- Encoding: Forming the intention and storing it in memory.
- Retrieval: Recalling the intention at the appropriate time.
- Execution: Carrying out the intended action.
Here are some examples of prospective memory in action:
- Remembering to pick up your dry cleaning after work.
- Setting an alarm to wake up early for a flight.
- Sending a birthday card to your friend next month.
Prospective memory is essential for our daily lives and can be influenced by factors like age, stress, and multitasking.
