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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection

Published on: August 26, 2011

Readout from iconic memory and selective spatial attention involve similar neural processes.

Christian C Ruff¹, Arni Kristjánsson, Jon Driver

¹Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. c.ruff@ucl.ac.uk

Psychological Science

|September 27, 2007

Summary

This study used fMRI to investigate neural similarities between iconic memory and spatial attention. Findings suggest common neural mechanisms underlie both processes, particularly in visual and fronto-parietal networks.

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Mapping Cortical Dynamics Using Simultaneous MEG/EEG and Anatomically-constrained Minimum-norm Estimates: an Auditory Attention Example

Published on: October 24, 2012

Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuroimaging

Background:

Iconic memory and spatial attention are typically studied independently.
Both processes involve the selection and processing of visual information.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate potential functional similarities and common neural underpinnings of iconic memory and spatial attention.
To provide neuroimaging evidence for shared mechanisms using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Main Methods:

Participants performed a visual task involving a bilateral array of six stimuli.
Auditory precues (spatial attention) or postcues (iconic memory) indicated the relevant hemifield for reporting stimuli.
fMRI was used to measure brain activity during the task.

Main Results:

Both precues and postcues elicited similar activity modulations in the lateral occipital cortex.
Common bilateral activation was observed in a fronto-parietal network for both cue types.
Postcues, compared to precues, showed increased activity in the right middle frontal gyrus.

Conclusions:

Neural effects of reading out iconic memory share similarities with spatial attention.
Common neural mechanisms likely support selective spatial attention and iconic memory readout.
Distinct neural activity patterns exist, particularly in frontal regions, differentiating the two processes.