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Related Concept Videos

Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this information.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
10:38

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

Working memory load modulates distractor competition in primary visual cortex.

Todd A Kelley1, Nilli Lavie

  • 1Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College, London, UK. toddakelley1@gmail.com

Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|August 12, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

High working memory load amplifies distractor effects in early visual processing. This study reveals working memory

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

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Published on: July 16, 2015

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging
  • Visual Attention

Background:

  • Cognitive control is crucial for goal-directed behavior, managing competing stimuli.
  • High working memory load impairs cognitive control, increasing distractor interference.
  • The impact of working memory on early visual cortex processing remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether working memory load affects sensory processing in the primary visual cortex.
  • To determine the neural correlates of distractor competition in early visual areas.
  • To examine the role of working memory in cognitive control of visual attention.

Main Methods:

  • Participants performed a selective attention task with target objects and distractor images.
  • Working memory load was manipulated (low vs. high) using a concurrent digit task.
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity and functional connectivity.

Main Results:

  • Increased distractor competition effects were observed behaviorally and in primary visual cortex (V1-V2) under high working memory load.
  • High working memory load led to greater congruency-related functional connectivity between anterior cingulate cortex and V1.
  • These findings demonstrate distractor competition effects in early visual processing.

Conclusions:

  • Working memory plays a critical role in cognitive control over distractor competition.
  • Neural correlates of distractor competition are present in the primary visual cortex.
  • Cognitive control via working memory influences early sensory processing stages.