Selective attention on representations in working memory: cognitive and neural mechanisms

Abstract

Selective attention and working memory are inter-dependent core cognitive functions. It is critical to allocate attention on selected targets during the capacity-limited working memory processes to fulfill the goal-directed behavior. The trends of research on both topics are increasing exponentially in recent years, and it is considered that selective attention and working memory share similar underlying neural mechanisms. Different types of attention orientation in working memory are introduced by distinctive cues, and the means using retrospective cues are strengthened currently as it is manipulating the representation in memory, instead of the perceptual representation. The cognitive and neural mechanisms of the retro-cue effects are further reviewed, as well as the potential molecular mechanism. The frontal-parietal network that is involved in both attention and working memory is also the neural candidate for attention orientation during working memory. Neural oscillations in the gamma and alpha/beta oscillations may respectively be employed for the feedforward and feedback information transfer between the sensory cortices and the association cortices. Dopamine and serotonin systems might interact with each other subserving the communication between memory and attention. In conclusion, representations which attention shifts towards are strengthened, while representations which attention moves away from are degraded. Studies on attention orientation during working memory indicates the flexibility of the processes of working memory, and the beneficial way that overcome the limited capacity of working memory.

Attention, working‐memory control, working‐memory capacity, and sport performance: The moderating role of athletic expertise

“…Findings from the mediation model suggest that the influence of attention (i.e., visual search sensitivity and the ability to ignore distractor patterns) on motor performance is determined by workingmemory-capacity (i.e., memory span length) and working-memory-control (i.e., ability to manipulate information). This finding supports previous work outside of sport (Ku, 2018;Yogev-Seligmann et al, 2008), but disagrees with previous work in sport regarding the moderating effect of athletic expertise (e.g., no difference across expertise; Furley & Wood, 2016).…”

“…However, some of these have considerable overlap with existing constructs such as concentration (e.g., sustained attention; Yogev-Seligmann, Hausdorff, & Giladi, 2008). This research focuses on multiple aspects of attention (i.e., adapting attentional resources via greater visual search sensitivity and ability to ignore distractor patterns) as they have relevance for sport performance and an existing relationship with working-memory (Ku, 2018). Previous research reveals functional overlap between these systems and indicates that working-memory-control, working-memory-capacity, and attention are positively and reciprocally related (Awh, Vogel, & Oh, 2006).…”

“…Review work outside of sport suggests a positive relationship between higher-order cognitive processes such as attention and higher working-memory (Ku, 2018;Yogev-Seligmann et al, 2008). Therefore, a cognitively engaging motor activity (e.g., basketball free-throw task; Stoll, Lau & Stoeber, 2008) is expected to place concurrent demands on attention, working-memory-control and working-memory-capacity, requiring increased cognitive engagement (de Greeff, Bosker, Oosterlaan, Visscher, & Hartman, 2018).…”

The impact of visual working memory capacity on the filtering efficiency of emotional face distractors

“…Cowan and Morey (2006) interpreted this result as showing that VWM depends on attentional filtering. Because VWM and selective attention share some similar neural mechanisms (Ku, 2018), this could explain why VWM capacity and filtering efficiency are interlinked. Further support has been provided by a study which showed that high-capacity individuals were more capable of resisting attentional capture than low-capacity individuals (Fukuda & Vogel, 2009).…”

The Role of Working Memory in Eliciting Users Cognitive Requirements

“…The Working memory has been a subject of various studies related to cognition (Ku, 2018;Bays, 2018; Borst et al, 2012; Parra et al, 2014), which is central to many aspects of intelligent human life (Conway et al, 2002;2003). It creates a mental workspace to hold information temporarily while at the same time working memory gives meaning to the world that is perceived, since it processes information based on perception and makes it ready for goal directed actions (Baddeley, 2012).…”