The role of ensemble average differs in working memory for depth and planar information

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Visual Perception

Background:

• Working memory (WM) is influenced by average representations of planar information.
• The impact of average representations on short-term storage of depth information is less understood.
• Investigating the distinct roles of ensemble averages in WM for both planar and depth information is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the differential roles of the ensemble average in working memory for planar versus depth information.
• To determine if average depth information can substitute for individual depth representations in WM.
• To assess the conditions under which average planar information is substituted for target features in WM.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical models were employed to fit data from 13 studies (1 depth, 12 planar).
• Analysis focused on how ensemble averages influence the recall of individual depth and planar features.
• Model fitting assessed the probability of reporting average versus individual information.

Main Results:

• Models assuming average depth reporting accurately captured recalled depth patterns.
• Recalled depth compressed the front-back distance of the stimulus ensemble.
• For planar information, participants often reported non-target features; average substitution improved model fits in few cases.

Conclusions:

• Average depth information serves as a substitute for individual depth representations in working memory.
• Substitution of average planar features occurs only when the average is readily accessible.
• This highlights a difference in how depth and planar information are processed and stored in working memory.