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Is working memory capacity related to baseline pupil diameter?
Nash Unsworth1, Ashley L Miller2, Matthew K Robison3
1Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA. nashu@uoregon.edu.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|October 2, 2020
Summary
The link between working memory capacity (WMC) and baseline pupil diameter is weak and not significant. A meta-analysis of 26 studies confirms this, suggesting WMC is not reliably predicted by pupil size.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Baseline pupil diameter is a non-invasive physiological measure.
- Working memory capacity (WMC) is crucial for cognitive tasks.
- Previous research has explored the relationship between WMC and pupil diameter with mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between working memory capacity and baseline pupil diameter.
- To conduct a meta-analysis of existing studies on this relationship.
- To identify potential moderators influencing the observed correlation.
Main Methods:
- 341 participants completed WMC tasks and had baseline pupil diameter measured in a dark room.
- A meta-analysis synthesized data from 26 studies (N=4356).
- Moderator analyses were performed to explain heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- A weak and non-significant correlation was found between WMC and baseline pupil diameter in the primary study.
- The meta-analysis also revealed a weak and non-significant overall correlation.
- Study location emerged as a significant moderator, with one lab showing a positive correlation.
Conclusions:
- The correlation between working memory capacity and baseline pupil diameter is generally weak and not robust.
- Heterogeneity in findings may be attributed to methodological differences, particularly study location.
- Further research is needed to understand the inconsistent findings across different laboratories.
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