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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.06.29.498168

Prioritization of semantic over visuo-perceptual aspects in multi-item working memory

Kerren, C.·Linde-Domingo, J.·Spitzer, B.
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Abstract

Working Memory (WM) keeps information temporarily available for upcoming tasks. How the contents of WM are distinguished from perceptual representations on the one hand, and from long-term memories on the other, is still debated. Here, we leveraged recent evidence for a reversal of processing dynamics when retrieving episodic long-term memories as opposed to perceiving visual input. In two experiments (n=75 and n=103), we asked participants to hold one or more items in WM and to report their low-level perceptual and high-level semantic qualities. In both experiments, we found faster responses to the items semantic qualities, indicating prioritization over visuo-perceptual aspects, when two or more items were held concurrently in WM. These dynamics of accessing information in multi-item WM were akin to those in retrieving episodic long-term memories and opposite to those in processing visual inputs. Little to no semantic prioritization was evident during single-item maintenance, consistent with a strictly capacity-limited focus of attention within which WM information can be transformed into a prospective action plan.

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Kerren, C., Linde-Domingo, J., Spitzer, B.. 2022-07-01. Prioritization of semantic over visuo-perceptual aspects in multi-item working memory. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.06.29.498168

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