Copyright 2009 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved. 10.1518/107118109X12524442635941

Everyday situational factors may substantially affect individuals’ success or failure in remembering to perform deferred tasks (i.e., prospective memory). We designed a diary study to explore the types and dimensions of prospective memory situations in everyday life that have not been well examined in laboratory investigations. Eight participants recorded intentions for a week. Results suggest that differences between how study participants framed their real-world intentions and how intentions are framed in typical experimental paradigms have significant implications for prospective memory performance, including the role of the natural environment. Our results further suggest ways individuals can improve performance in everyday prospective memory tasks.