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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

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

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

Published on: July 16, 2015

Consciousness and working memory: Current trends and research perspectives.

Boris B Velichkovsky¹

¹Department of Psychology, Moscow State University, Russia.

Consciousness and Cognition

|July 31, 2017

Summary

Working memory may involve both conscious and unconscious processes, challenging previous assumptions. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between consciousness and working memory.

Keywords:

Attentional blink Consciousness Implicit working memory Visual masking Working memory

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Psychology

Background:

Working memory is traditionally linked to consciousness.
Recent studies suggest unconscious content can be held in working memory.
Complex computations may occur unconsciously within working memory.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current evidence on the relationship between consciousness and working memory.
To explore the role of unconscious processes in working memory.
To identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

Review of empirical studies and theoretical frameworks.
Analysis of evidence from visual masking and attentional blink paradigms.
Examination of research on implicit working memory.

Main Results:

Major theories view consciousness as a subset of working memory.
Empirical data support the presence of unconscious elements in working memory.
Working memory appears to encompass both conscious and unconscious operations.

Conclusions:

The relationship between consciousness and working memory is complex and not fully understood.
Working memory may function both consciously and unconsciously.
Further investigation is required to clarify these intricate connections.