Theoretical distinction between functional states in working memory and their corresponding neural states
Mark G Stokes1, Paul S Muhle-Karbe1, Nicholas E Myers1
1Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging and Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Visual Cognition
|November 23, 2020
Summary
Working memory (WM) involves active and latent states. Neurophysiological mechanisms for these states are independent of whether storage relies on persistent neural activity or activity-silent mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Working memory (WM) is crucial for guiding behavior.
- Traditional theories propose persistent neural activity for WM maintenance.
- Recent theories suggest activity-silent mechanisms, like synaptic plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between functionally active and latent states of working memory.
- To examine the relationship between functional states and neural storage mechanisms.
- To challenge the direct correspondence between functional states and activity-based versus activity-silent storage.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of working memory models.
- Review of neurophysiological evidence for WM storage.
- Conceptual framework development.
Main Results:
- Functionally active WM items are relevant for immediate behavior.
- Functionally latent WM items are maintained but not immediately relevant.
- Neural mechanisms for active and latent WM are not strictly tied to persistent activity or activity-silent storage.
Conclusions:
- The functional role of neural states is the key differentiator for active and latent WM.
- Neurophysiological mechanisms underlying active and latent WM are theoretically independent of persistent activity versus activity-silent storage distinctions.
- Avoid a one-to-one mapping between functional states and specific neural mechanisms.
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