scholarly journals The role of spatial working memory in visual search efficiency

2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sei-Hwan Oh ◽  
Min-Shik Kim
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Search Efficiency

scholarly journals Spatial working memory in visual search for multiple targets

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.S. Gorbunova
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Alternative Explanation ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Search Efficiency ◽  
Working Memory Load ◽  
Multiple Targets ◽  
Subsequent Search Misses

The article investigated the role of spatial working memory in visual search for multiple targets, in particular, in subsequent search misses effect. This phenomenon is the second target omission after the first target has been found in visual search task. One of the theoretical interpretations of subsequent search misses is the lack of resources (attention and/or working memory) after the first target is found. Experiment investigated dual-target visual search efficiency in standard conditions and with additional spatial working memory load. Additional working memory load did not have any significant impact in multiple target visual search efficiency. The results can due to the role of object, but not spatial working memory in this task. Alternative explanation assumes using special tools and strategies.

A Role for Spatial and Nonspatial Working Memory Processes in Visual Search

2008 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 301-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine J. Anderson ◽  
Sabira K. Mannan ◽  
Geraint Rees ◽  
Petroc Sumner ◽  
Christopher Kennard
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Retention Interval ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Search Task ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Task Conditions

Searching a cluttered visual scene for a specific item of interest can take several seconds to perform if the target item is difficult to discriminate from surrounding items. Whether working memory processes are utilized to guide the path of attentional selection during such searches remains under debate. Previous studies have found evidence to support a role for spatial working memory in inefficient search, but the role of nonspatial working memory remains unclear. Here, we directly compared the role of spatial and nonspatial working memory for both an efficient and inefficient search task. In Experiment 1, we used a dual-task paradigm to investigate the effect of performing visual search within the retention interval of a spatial working memory task. Importantly, by incorporating two working memory loads (low and high) we were able to make comparisons between dual-task conditions, rather than between dual-task and single-task conditions. This design allows any interference effects observed to be attributed to changes in memory load, rather than to nonspecific effects related to “dual-task” performance. We found that the efficiency of the inefficient search task declined as spatial memory load increased, but that the efficient search task remained efficient. These results suggest that spatial memory plays an important role in inefficient but not efficient search. In Experiment 2, participants performed the same visual search tasks within the retention interval of visually matched spatial and verbal working memory tasks. Critically, we found comparable dual-task interference between inefficient search and both the spatial and nonspatial working memory tasks, indicating that inefficient search recruits working memory processes common to both domains.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPATIAL WORKING MEMORY LOADS ON VISUAL SEARCH

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margit Höfler ◽  
◽  
Sebastian A. Bauch ◽  
Elisabeth Englmair ◽  
Julia Friedmann-Eibler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Search Time ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
High Load ◽  
Search Performance ◽  
Search Efficiency ◽  
Spatial Locations

"Working memory (WM) has been shown to be an important factor in visual search. For instance, there is evidence that both spatial and visual WM load lead to a decrease in search performance, resulting in a longer time to complete a search. However, the findings regarding search efficiency, i.e., search time as a function of display size, are less clear. This measure has been reported to be affected by spatial but not visual WM load. In three experiments, with approximately 20 participants each, we tested how two different types of spatial WM load affect visual search in terms of search performance and efficiency. In all experiments, participants were asked to memorize the spatial locations of two (low load) or four items (high load) presented either serially (Experiment 1) or simultaneously (Experiments 2 and 3). After that, they had to search for a target letter in a display of 5, 10 or 15 letters. In Experiment 3, participants additionally performed a verbal WM task. A control condition with no memory load (search only) was also included in each experiment. The results showed that, compared to the search-only condition, search times increased when spatial load was added. This was regardless of the type of spatial WM load. No search-time differences were found between the low and high-load condition. The additional verbal WM task had no effect on search performance. Furthermore, and in contrast to previous findings, search efficiency was not affected by either type of spatial WM load. These results suggest that visual search performance, but not search efficiency, is affected by spatial WM load."

Working Memory and Number Sense as Predictors of Mathematical (Dis-)Ability

2015 ◽  
Vol 223 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn H. Kroesbergen ◽  
Marloes van Dijk
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Number Sense ◽  
Mathematical Learning ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Mathematical Learning Disabilities ◽  
Visual Spatial Working Memory ◽  
And Mathematics

Recent research has pointed to two possible causes of mathematical (dis-)ability: working memory and number sense, although only few studies have compared the relations between working memory and mathematics and between number sense and mathematics. In this study, both constructs were studied in relation to mathematics in general, and to mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) in particular. The sample consisted of 154 children aged between 6 and 10 years, including 26 children with MLD. Children performing low on either number sense or visual-spatial working memory scored lower on math tests than children without such a weakness. Children with a double weakness scored the lowest. These results confirm the important role of both visual-spatial working memory and number sense in mathematical development.

Early Neglect and the Development of Aggression in Toddlerhood: The Role of Working Memory

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Demeusy ◽  
Elizabeth D. Handley ◽  
Fred A. Rogosch ◽  
Dante Cicchetti ◽  
Sheree L. Toth
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Externalizing Behavior ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Maternal Report ◽  
Protective Service ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
History Of

Previous research has provided evidence for the robust relation between maltreatment and the development of externalizing behavior, including aggression. However, less empirical attention has been given to the specific role of neglect. The current study aimed to examine the role of working memory in the association between early neglect and aggression in toddlerhood. Longitudinal data were collected from 89 infants and their biological mothers when the infant was approximately 12, 26, and 38 months old. History of neglect was assessed at 12 months using official Child Protective Service records. Working memory and mental development were assessed at 26 months. Aggression was measured using maternal report at 38 months. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, and mediation was tested using 95% asymmetric confidence intervals. Results indicated that infants who experienced neglect exhibited poorer working memory abilities, specifically spatial working memory, and higher rates of aggression in toddlerhood. In addition, spatial working memory mediated the relation between neglect and aggression, suggesting that this may be one promising target for intervention.

scholarly journals Effect of verbal working memory load during the oculomotor activity in visual search

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.B. Velichkovsky ◽  
A.I. Izmalkova
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Mutual Influence ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Working Memory Load ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Visual Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Oculomotor Activity

The structure of working memory has components responsible for the storage of verbal and visualspatial information; despite the fairly detailed study of the functions and mechanisms of their work, the question of their mutual influence is still open. Studies on the verbal working memory load influence on visual search performance (a task requiring the use of visual-spatial working memory resources) it was found that the load on the verbal working memory leads to increased efficiency of target detection. The results of the analysis of oculomotor activity during visual search also point out that the implementation of such tasks under verbal working memory load is accompanied by an increase in cognitive tension and of the degree of search automaticity. The results may indicate the interaction of verbal and visual-spatial working memory components that share non-specific cognitive resources.

scholarly journals Spatial working memory impedes search efficiency in interrupted but not continuous scene search

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Mark Mills ◽  
Matthew Hilchey ◽  
Jay Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Search Efficiency
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