Dissecting the Neural Focus of Attention Reveals Distinct Processes for Spatial Attention and Object-Based Storage in Visual Working Memory
Abstract
Complex cognition relies on both on-line representations in working memory (WM), said to reside in the focus of attention, and passive off-line representations of related information. Here, we dissected the focus of attention by showing that distinct neural signals index the on-line storage of objects and sustained spatial attention. We recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) activity during two tasks that employed identical stimulus displays but varied the relative demands for object storage and spatial attention. We found distinct delay-period signatures for an attention task (which required only spatial attention) and a WM task (which invoked both spatial attention and object storage). Although both tasks required active maintenance of spatial information, only the WM task elicited robust contralateral delay activity that was sensitive to mnemonic load. Thus, we argue that the focus of attention is maintained via a collaboration between distinct processes for covert spatial orienting and object-based storage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1177/0956797619830384
Entities
People
- Edward Awh
- Edward K Vogel
- Eren Gunseli
- Kirsten C S Adam
- Nicole Hakim
Organizations
- Columbia University
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Office of Naval Research
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Chicago