Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Contextual cueing under working memory load: selective interference of visuospatial load with expression of learning
Angela A Manginelli1, Nadine Langer, Diana Klose
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
Attention, Perception & Psychophysics
|May 3, 2013
Summary
Contextual cueing, the implicit learning of spatial contexts, depends on visuospatial working memory resources for its expression, not its initial learning. This impacts how we understand memory and attention.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Perception & Performance
Background:
- Contextual cueing facilitates visual search by implicitly learning spatial regularities.
- Working memory is crucial for cognitive tasks, but its role in implicit learning is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of working memory resources in the learning and expression of contextual cueing.
- To differentiate the impact of spatial versus nonspatial working memory load.
Main Methods:
- A visual search task with repeated displays to induce contextual cueing.
- Concurrent manipulation of spatial or nonspatial visual working memory load during learning or testing.
- Articulatory suppression to control for verbal interference.
Main Results:
- Nonspatial working memory load did not affect contextual cueing.
- Visuospatial working memory load during the test phase impaired search facilitation.
- Visuospatial working memory load during the learning phase did not impact learning.
Conclusions:
- Visuospatial working memory resources are necessary for utilizing learned contextual cues, not for acquiring them.
- Implicit learning of spatial contexts is independent of visuospatial working memory capacity.
More Related Videos
07:36Eye Tracking During Visually Situated Language Comprehension: Flexibility and Limitations in Uncovering Visual Context Effects
Published on: November 30, 2018
05:58Using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation to Measure Set-Specific Capture, a Consequence of Distraction While Multitasking
Published on: August 29, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:24Working 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.
01:29Non-Verbal Cues
Non-verbal communication extends beyond gestures and facial expressions to include vocal elements known as paralanguage. Paralanguage consists of non-verbal vocal cues such as pitch, loudness, speech rate, pauses, and non-verbal vocalizations like laughter, sighs, and moans. These elements not only accompany speech but also provide critical emotional and contextual information.The Role of Paralanguage in CommunicationParalanguage adds depth to spoken language by conveying emotions and...
01:22Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory
Improving short-term memory can be achieved through techniques like chunking and rehearsal. Chunking involves organizing information into larger, more manageable units. This technique is particularly useful for information that exceeds the typical memory span of between five and nine items. For instance, logging into an online account with a password like "ta89vq0179gz" involves grouping letters and numbers into three chunks—ta89, vq01, and 79gz. It makes large amounts of information more...
01:24Implicit Memories
Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...
One key aspect of implicit...
01:30Impact of Schemas
Schemas are cognitive structures that provide a framework for interpreting and organizing social information. They help individuals navigate complex environments by offering expectations about people, events, and behaviors. Schemas influence attention, encoding, and retrieval processes, thereby shaping the entire trajectory of information processing in social contexts.Attention and Cognitive LoadDuring initial attention, schemas function as filters that prioritize schema-consistent information,...
01:16Interference and Decay
Forgetting is a complex cognitive phenomenon influenced by several factors, among which interference and decay are particularly prominent. These processes explain why individuals often struggle to retrieve specific information from memory, leading to lapses in recall that can be observed in everyday situations.
Interference occurs when competing memories hinder the retrieval of particular information. It can be classified into two types: proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive...
Interference occurs when competing memories hinder the retrieval of particular information. It can be classified into two types: proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive...