Interaction of Expectancy and the Illusory Object Effect on Working Memory Performance
Loading...
Date
2023-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is an important cognitive function that maintains only a finite amount of information. Visual WM (VWM) may be optimized through grouping, where items appearing to be related are “chunked” for more efficient storage. An example is the benefits to VWM when separate items align to form an illusory object. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of illusory object formation are automatically or strategically derived. In our study, participants completed change detection tasks testing memory of either orientation or color, features relevant and irrelevant, respectively, to illusory object formation. The frequency of each test type was manipulated between trial blocks such that either color or orientation was tested on 80% of trials. Subjects were randomly assigned either to a group that received stimuli only in illusory object-forming configurations or to a group that received stimuli only in grouped but randomly oriented configurations. We predicted that task expectancy would modulate test performance, but if the illusory object effect takes place automatically, we expect to see high orientation test performance regardless of test likelihood. We found overall modulation of performance by task expectancy. Additionally, performance remained high on orientation tests in the illusory object group regardless of expectancy, with diminished effects of expectancy. Thus, our findings suggest that illusory object benefits arise automatically.
Description
Denman Undergraduate Research Forum: 1st Place (Human Experience)
Keywords
Working Memory, Visual Processing, Vision Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Control