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Storage and processing in visuo‐spatial working memory
Author(s) -
Duff Simon C.,
Logie Robert H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9450.404124
Subject(s) - working memory , recall , cognitive psychology , spatial memory , psychology , cognition , short term memory , visual short term memory , computer science , visual memory , neuroscience
Visuo‐spatial working memory has been used to account for performance in a wide range of visuo‐spatial tasks, including perceptuo‐motor tracking and immediate recall of visually presented patterns. However a developing body of evidence points to a fractionation of the concept into visuo‐spatial processing that calls on general purpose executive resources, and a visual ‘cache’ memory for temporary storage in on‐line cognition. Two related experiments are described which address whether processing and temporary memory draw on overlapping or on distinct resources in working memory. Experiment 1 demonstrates that participants can accurately respond to a series of targets appearing in random locations whether or not they have the additional load of retaining and subsequently recalling the appearance of each target. Memory for target appearance likewise is largely unaffected by the additional load of requiring a response to each target. Experiment 2 demonstrates similar findings when verbal labeling of the patterns is inhibited through the use of articulatory suppression. Results are interpreted as consistent with a multiple component working memory system.