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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
05:15
The Spatial Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition
Published on: February 19, 2018
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Reorganization of spatial configurations in visual working memory.
J David Timm1, Frank Papenmeier2
1Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Schleichstr. 4, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany. dtimm@psycho.uni-tuebingen.de.
Memory & Cognition
|June 20, 2019
Summary
Spatial configurations in visual working memory (VWM) can be reorganized. However, this reorganization requires eye movements and does not occur when participants must fixate.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Human visual working memory (VWM) involves processing multiple objects.
- Spatial configurations significantly organize information within VWM.
- Understanding VWM reorganization is crucial for cognitive science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if spatial configurations can be reorganized within VWM during the maintenance phase.
- To identify boundary conditions for VWM spatial configuration reorganization.
Main Methods:
- Participants viewed object arrays, followed by a cue indicating a probed object.
- Object locations were tested for changes after manipulation of configurations (6 or 12 objects).
- Eye movements (free vs. fixation) were manipulated in conjunction with retro-cues.
Main Results:
- Spatial configuration reorganization in VWM is possible in principle.
- A spatial configuration effect was observed when eye movements were free.
- No spatial configuration effect was found when participants were required to fixate.
Conclusions:
- Eye movements are necessary for the observed spatial configuration effect in VWM.
- VWM reorganization is dependent on dynamic visual attention facilitated by eye movements.
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