Abstract
Recent research has shown interactions between the process of keeping information 'online' in working memory, and the processes that select relevant information for a response. In particular, our ability to select stimuli in the environment can be modulated by whether the stimuli match the current contents of working memory. Guidance of selection from working memory occurs automatically, even when it is detrimental to performance. Neurophysiological data, from functional brain imaging, indicate that the interaction between working memory and attention is based on neuronal mechanisms distinct from the processes mediating 'bottom-up' priming effects from implicit memory. We discuss the importance of 'top-down' influences from working memory on the 'early' deployment of attention and on the processes that gate visual information into awareness.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 342-348 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Trends in Cognitive Sciences |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by grants from the British Academy, the BBSRC, the MRC and the ESRC/MRC (UK). We thank Todd Horowitz, Geoff Woodman and one anonymous referee for comments on a prior draft of this paper.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience