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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Release from interference in auditory working memory for pitch
Dennis T Ries1, Jeffery J DiGiovanni
1Auditory Perception Laboratory, W241 Grover Center, School of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. ries@ohio.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of interpolated tones upon a pitch standard held within auditory working memory through measurement of the difference limen (just noticeable difference) for frequency and the usefulness of "Where" cues to ameliorate the interference produced by these intervening stimuli. To this end, we measured the degree to which tones, containing identical and disparate localization cues, presented within the retention interval altered differential sensitivity for frequency via the method of constant stimuli. The difference limen for frequency nearly tripled when tones were presented within the retention interval and sound localization cues produced a significant partial release from interference within the short-term pitch store. Interference produced by "Where" cues ranged from 4.0 to 5.2 Hz. These findings indicate that there is a possible integrative use of the "What" and "Where" pathways in forming and maintaining pitch information within the pitch array within auditory working memory.
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