Extraction of working memory load and the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Astrand ◽  
Martin Ekstrom
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Working Memory Load

scholarly journals Temporal Dynamics of Functional Brain States Underlie Cognitive Performance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Gu ◽  
Kurt P Schulz ◽  
Jin Fan ◽  
Yihong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Occurrence Rate ◽  
Working Memory Load ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Brain States ◽  
Positive State

Abstract The functional organization of the human brain adapts dynamically in response to a rapidly changing environment. However, the relation of these rapid changes in functional organization to cognitive functioning is not well understood. This study used a graph-based time-frame modularity analysis approach to identify temporally recurrent functional configuration patterns in neural responses to an n-back working memory task during fMRI. Working memory load was manipulated to investigate the functional relevance of the identified brain states. Four distinct brain states were defined by the predominant patterns of activation in the task-positive, default-mode, sensorimotor, and visual networks. Associated with escalating working memory load, the occurrence of the task-positive state and the probability of transitioning into this state increased. In contrast, the occurrence of the default-mode and sensorimotor states and the probability of these 2 states transitioning away from the task-positive state decreased. The task-positive state occurrence rate and the probability of transitioning from the default-mode state back to the task-positive state explained a significant and unique portion of the variance in task performance. The results demonstrate that dynamic brain activities support successful cognitive functioning and may have heuristic value for understanding abnormal cognitive functioning associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders.

Visual Search Facilitation in Repeated Displays Depends on Visuospatial Working Memory

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela A. Manginelli ◽  
Franziska Geringswald ◽  
Stefan Pollmann
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Control Experiment ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Contextual Cueing ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Working Memory Load ◽  
Memory Resources

When distractor configurations are repeated over time, visual search becomes more efficient, even if participants are unaware of the repetition. This contextual cueing is a form of incidental, implicit learning. One might therefore expect that contextual cueing does not (or only minimally) rely on working memory resources. This, however, is debated in the literature. We investigated contextual cueing under either a visuospatial or a nonspatial (color) visual working memory load. We found that contextual cueing was disrupted by the concurrent visuospatial, but not by the color working memory load. A control experiment ruled out that unspecific attentional factors of the dual-task situation disrupted contextual cueing. Visuospatial working memory may be needed to match current display items with long-term memory traces of previously learned displays.

A high working memory load eliminates the numerical distance effect

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin A. Maloney ◽  
Evan F. Risko ◽  
Derek Besner ◽  
Jonathan A. Fugelsang
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Distance Effect ◽  
Numerical Distance ◽  
Working Memory Load ◽  
Numerical Distance Effect
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