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Post-encoding control of working memory enhances processing of relevant information in rhesus monkeys (Macaca
Ryan J Brady1, Robert R Hampton1
1Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States.
Cognition
|February 21, 2018
Summary
Monkeys can focus their working memory (WM) on relevant information, showing improved accuracy and speed when cued. This cognitive control mechanism in WM suggests ancient evolutionary origins.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Primate Behavior
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Working memory (WM) has limited capacity, necessitating selective processing of relevant information.
- Understanding the cognitive control mechanisms of WM is crucial for explaining variations in cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of control mechanisms in monkey working memory.
- To determine if monkeys can selectively focus processing on relevant representations within WM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a retro-cue paradigm with monkeys presented with sample image arrays.
- Monkeys received a retro-cue indicating which image to remember for a recognition test.
- Behavioral accuracy and response speed were measured for cued versus un-cued items.
Main Results:
- A significant memory benefit (accuracy and speed) was observed for cued images with a memory load of two.
- With a memory load of three, a retrieval speed benefit emerged only after retro-cue onset latency was reduced.
- Results indicate flexibility in cognitive control of memory in monkeys.
Conclusions:
- Monkey working memory exhibits control mechanisms for focusing on relevant information, similar to humans.
- These findings suggest that working memory control mechanisms evolved in a common ancestor over 32 million years ago.
- Further research is needed to explore the interplay between memory load, resource control, and primate cognitive capacity differences.
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