Growth curve models in retrospective memory and prospective memory: the relationship between prediction and performance with task experience

Revisiting the dynamic comprehensive model of self-awareness: a scoping review and thematic analysis of its impact 20 years later

This study aimed to (1) describe the scope of research related to the Dynamic Comprehensive Model of Awareness (DCMA) (Toglia & Kirk, 2000); (2) identify themes and support for key model postulates; and (3) suggest future research directions related to this model. Using PRISMA scoping guidelines, 366 articles were reviewed, and 54 articles met our inclusion criteria. Selected studies were clustered into three themes: (1) the relationship between general and online self-awareness (50%); (2) interventions based on the model (41%); and (3) factors contributing to self-awareness (9%). Most studies were conducted with participants with acquired brain injury (BI) and traumatic BI (68%), most used a cross-sectional design (50%), and most intervention studies utilized a single-subject design (18%), followed by an experimental design (9%). This review provides evidence for the wide application of the DCMA across varying ages and populations. The need for a multidimensional assessment approach is recognized; however, stronger evidence that supports a uniform assessment of online self-awareness is needed. The intervention studies frequently described the importance of direct experience in developing self-awareness; however, few studies compared how intervention methods to influence general versus online self-awareness, or how cognitive capacity, self-efficacy, psychological factors, and context, influence the development of self-awareness.

Awareness of Performance on a Functional Cognitive Performance-Based Assessment Across the Adult Lifespan

As people age, their cognitive skills and ability to complete complex instrumental activities of daily living often decline in subtle ways. Older adults who are aware of these slight cognitive and functional changes spontaneously adapt and implement strategies to maximize performance. On the other hand, older adults with limited self-awareness are less likely to adjust performance or initiate compensatory strategies as they may not recognize the need to do so. This places them at higher risk of functional decline and loss of independence. Research on awareness of functional performance in healthy adults is, however, limited, and there is a paucity of assessment tools available to address questions of awareness and strategy use in functional tasks. We used the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA) - a performance-based assessment of functional cognition including measures of awareness and strategy use - to investigate differences in performance, awareness, and strategy use across the adult lifespan. The WCPA requires examinees to schedule appointments into a weekly calendar while following rules designed to increase task demands. Healthy adults (n=342) from ages 18-92 were observed for strategy use and error recognition, while a post-test interview probed participants' reported strategy use and estimation of accuracy. The discrepancy between participant estimation and actual accuracy provided a measure of online awareness of performance where a larger estimation discrepancy indicated over-estimation of performance. Performance on the WCPA declined across the adult lifespan. Older adults were less likely to use self-monitoring strategies and used less effective strategies overall. Overestimation was associated with use of fewer strategies and lower accuracy in all age groups. Importantly, twice as many older adults overestimated compared to younger adults. Furthermore, the subset of older adults who had good awareness of performance was more likely to use effective strategies, to recognize errors, and achieved accuracy on par with their younger counterparts. Our results emphasize the importance of examining self-awareness of performance and analyzing the strategies used to perform a complex functional task. This information can provide a foundation for early detection of functional decline in aging and for designing interventions to maximize functional independence in aging.

Does the Key Task Measure Prospective Memory? Cautionary Findings from Parallel Studies in HIV Disease and Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

Despite its brevity and face validity, little is known about the construct validity of the naturalistic "Key Task" of prospective memory (PM), in which an examinee is instructed to remind the examiner at a designated time to retrieve keys (or another belonging) placed out of sight.

METHOD

Study 1 included 162 HIV+ and 52 HIV- comparison participants who completed the Key Task alongside well-validated measures of PM and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included everyday functioning measures. Study 2 used broadly parallel methods in 168 older community-dwelling Australians.

RESULTS

Overall, the Key Task was not reliably associated with neurocognitive functioning (including clinical and experimental measures of PM), PM symptoms, or everyday functioning in either sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The Key Task did not demonstrate compelling evidence of construct validity among persons living with HIV disease or older adults, which raises doubts regarding its clinical usefulness as a measure of PM.