Prospective Memory: Scientometric Mapping of Russian and Foreign Research

Abstract

Background. Nowadays, there is a growing need to develop rehabilitation programs for patients with cognitive impairment aimed at improving their quality of life and daily social functioning. In this regard, there is increasing scientific interest in the study of cognitive functions, including the phenomenon of prospective memory. However, in domestic psychology there is a shortage of work in this area.

Objective. The study had its purpose to provide a scientific mapping of publications on prospective memory research.

Methods. The study was conducted by means of a bibliometric analysis of publications from the professional databases "eLIBRARY" and "PubMed" covering the period from the first mention of the term "prospective memory" up to 2024, both in Russia and internationally. Scientific mapping of publications on prospective memory was performed using the "Bibliometrix" software package. An analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords was carried out by means of the "VOSviewer" software tool.

Results. Methodological imperfections in the neuropsychological conceptual apparatus and the tendency towards integrative processes in modern neurosciences lead to the interpenetration of methodological traditions in modern neuropsychology: on the one hand, research is carried out within the framework of cognitive methodological foundations, while on the other hand — in clinical and clinical-psychological traditions. The study provides an analysis of the annual dynamics of research, the most active regions, institutions, scientific journals, leading authors in the field, the frequency of different definitions of prospective memory, and various approaches to studying the phenomenon.

Conclusions. The study results highlight the problem of insufficient development of the prospective memory phenomenon in Russian psychology, whereas internationally the research on prospective memory is a relevant and developing area of scientific inquiry.

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