Three visual working memory representations simultaneously control attention.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Visual perception
• Human attention

Background:

• Previous models suggested only one visual working memory (VWM) representation influences attention during visual search.
• Accessory VWM items were thought to have minimal attentional influence.
• Recent studies indicated two VWM representations can capture attention during search.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if VWM capacity during visual search extends beyond two representations.
• To determine if three VWM representations can directly control attention concurrently.
• To replicate and extend previous findings on VWM and visual search interaction.

Main Methods:

• Experimental manipulation of VWM load during a visual search task.
• Measurement of attentional capture and interference from VWM representations.
• Replication of prior findings and testing of a three-item VWM capacity hypothesis.

Main Results:

• Successfully replicated findings that two VWM representations capture attention.
• Provided evidence that three VWM representations can simultaneously control attention.
• Demonstrated a higher capacity for VWM influence on attention during visual search than previously proposed.

Conclusions:

• VWM capacity during concurrent visual search is at least three representations.
• Attention can be directly controlled by multiple VWM representations simultaneously.
• Current models of VWM and attention interaction require revision to accommodate higher capacity.