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Processing spatial configurations in visuospatial working memory is influenced by shifts of overt visual attention
J David Timm1, Frank Papenmeier1
1Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Plos One
|February 9, 2023
Summary
Human spatial memory benefits from understanding object configurations, but doesn't strictly require constant eye movements. Shifts in visual attention aid spatial processing, though not necessarily throughout the entire task.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Humans utilize configuration benefits when memorizing multiple objects.
- The role of overt visual attention and eye movements in spatial configuration processing is debated.
- Some studies suggest visual attention aids spatial representation, while others propose snapshot-like processing independent of eye movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of eye movements and visual attention shifts on processing spatial configurations.
- To determine if enforced fixation during specific task phases affects configuration benefits.
- To explore the relationship between visuospatial working memory and eye movement control.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Compared enforced fixation versus free viewing conditions on configurational effects.
- Experiment 2: Enforced fixation during encoding, maintenance, or retrieval phases.
- Participants encoded object locations and identified changes, with one object displaced in half the trials.
Main Results:
- Reliable configuration benefits were observed in free view conditions.
- A fixed gaze throughout the trial significantly reduced the configuration benefit.
- Enforced fixations during specific task phases did not eliminate the configuration benefit.
Conclusions:
- Processing spatial configurations in memory is supported by the ability to shift overt visual attention.
- Configurational processing does not depend on continuous eye movement shifts throughout the entire task.
- Visuospatial working memory and eye movements exhibit a reciprocal relationship.
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