Prioritization in working memory reduces interference via beta band-linked stimulus transformations

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• The brain must prioritize information in working memory for action guidance.
• Managing multiple items requires balancing current needs with future relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of prioritization on working memory.
• To identify the neural mechanisms underlying information shielding in working memory.

Main Methods:

• Behavioral experiments with dense sampling.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) recording.
• Time-resolved representational similarity analysis (RSA).

Main Results:

• Recall performance showed 15 Hz oscillations during prioritization.
• Prioritization shielded items from interference at 15 Hz.
• EEG revealed a 15 Hz phase reset and increased oscillatory peaks.

Conclusions:

• Prioritization involves transforming the representational state of unprioritized items.
• A 15 Hz oscillatory mechanism underlies working memory shielding.
• This mechanism protects against inter-item competition in working memory.