Working memory can be divided into separate subsystems for verbal and visual information. Although the system has been well characterized, storage capacity of working not yet established simple features or conjunctions features. The authors demonstrate that it is possible to retain information about only 3-4 colors orientations in at one time. Observers are also able both color orientation objects, indicating stores integrated objects rather than individual Indeed, defined by a conjunction...

How long does it take to form a durable representation in visual working memory?Several theorists have proposed that this consolidation process is very slow.Here, we measured the time course of consolidation.Observers performed change-detection task for colored squares, and shortly after presentation first array, pattern masks were presented at locations each squares disrupt representations had not yet been consolidated.Performance on memory was impaired when delay between short, effect...

This study examined whether objects are attended in serial or parallel during a demanding visual search task. A component of the event-related potential waveform, N2pc wave, was used as continuous measure allocation attention to possible targets arrays. Experiment 1 demonstrated that relative shifts rapidly, favoring one item and then another. In 2, paradigm made it track absolute individual items. experiment showed allocated object for 100-150 ms before began be next object. These findings...

In many theories of cognition, researchers propose that working memory and perception operate interactively. For example, in previous studies have suggested sensory inputs matching the contents will an automatic advantage competition for processing resources. The authors tested this hypothesis by requiring observers to perform a visual search task while concurrently maintaining object representations memory. activation produces simple but uncontrollable bias signal leads prediction items...

Most theories of attention propose that we maintain attentional templates in visual working memory to control what information is selected. In the present study, directly tested this proposal by measuring contralateral-delay activity (CDA) human event-related potentials during search tasks which target cued on each trial. Here show CDA can be used measure maintenance while processing complex scenes. addition, method allowed us observe shift from long-term representations controlling as...

Many theories of attention have proposed that visual working memory plays an important role in search tasks. The present study examined the involvement using a dual-task paradigm which participants performed task while maintaining no, two, or four objects memory. presence load added constant delay to reaction times, irrespective number items array. That is, there was no change slope function relating time array, indicating process itself not slowed by load. Moreover, did substantially impair...

Previous studies of visual processing in humans using event-related potentials (ERPs) have demonstrated that task-related modulations an early component called the “N1” wave (140–200 ms) reflect operation a voluntary discrimination process. Specifically, this is larger tasks requiring target than simple detection. The present study was designed to localize discriminative process both time and space by means combined magnetoencephalographic (MEG) ERP recordings. Discriminative led...

When a visual target object is surrounded by four dots that onset at the same time as but remain visible after terminates, dramatically impair discrimination performance. This phenomenon called object-substitution masking, reflecting hypothesis both and are identified, representation of replaces before can be reported. The present study used event-related potential technique to demonstrate masked in this manner identified system triggers shift attention. However, attention shifted target,...

Theories of attention are compatible with the idea that we can bias to avoid selecting objects have known nontarget features. Although this may underlie several existing phenomena, explicit guidance away from nontargets has yet be demonstrated. Here show observers use feature cues (i.e., color) items during visual search. These negative were used quickly instantiate a template for rejection reliably facilitated search across cue-to-search stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs), although not as...

Previous research suggests that target templates are stored visual working memory and used to guide attention during search. However, observers can search efficiently even if is filled capacity by a concurrent task. The idea in receives support primarily from studies of nonhuman primates which the varies trial trial, it possible not necessary when identity remains constant, as most humans. To test this hypothesis, we asked subjects perform task delay interval 2 tasks were found interfere...

The human visual system can notice differences between memories of previous inputs and perceptions new inputs, but the comparison process that detects these has not been well characterized. In this study, authors tested hypothesis memory a stimulus array perception are detected in manner is analogous to detection simple features search tasks. That is, just as presence task-relevant feature be parallel, triggering rapid shift attention object containing feature, memory-percept difference...

Theories of visual attention suggest that working memory representations automatically guide toward memory-matching objects. Some empirical tests this prediction have produced results consistent with guiding attention. However, others shown individuals can strategically control whether Previous studies not independently measured automatic and strategic contributions to the interactions between In study, we used a classic manipulation probability valid, neutral, invalid cues tease apart...