Semantic Negative Priming From an Ignored Single-Prime Depends Critically on Prime-Mask Inter-Stimulus Interval and Working Memory Capacity

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the link between working memory capacity and the ability to exert cognitive control. Here, participants with either high or low working memory capacity (WMC) performed a semantic negative priming (NP) task as a measure of cognitive control. They were required to ignore a single prime word followed by a pattern mask appearing immediately or after a delay. The prime could be semantically related or unrelated to an upcoming target word where a forced-choice categorization was required. Each type of mask (immediate vs. delayed) appeared randomly from trial to trial. Results demonstrated that, when the ignored prime was immediately followed by the mask, neither of the groups (high or low WMC) showed reliable NP. In clear contrast, when the mask onset was delayed responses latencies were reliably slower for semantically related trials than for unrelated trials (semantic NP), but only for the high WMC group. The present results clearly demonstrate that semantic NP from single ignored primes depends on both the masking pattern that follows the prime (immediate vs. delayed mask), and on working memory capacity.

Individual Differences in Working Memory Capacity Modulate Electrophysiological Correlates of Semantic Negative Priming From Single Words

“…Even when priming effects in the single conditions were compared against zero, no significant priming effects were obtained in either WMC group (see Figure 2). When the ignored single prime was followed by a delayed mask, however, we found a reliable relatedness × WMC interaction [F (1, 50) = 14.05, p = 0.000, η 2 = 0.219], which revealed an opposite priming pattern as a function of WMC, thus replicating the behavioral findings reported by Megías et al (2020). As predicted, High-WMC participants showed a reliable NP effect [−27 ms; F (1, 25) = 9.35, p = 0.005, η 2 = 0.272], whereas a significant PP was found in the Low-WMC group [+28 ms; F (1,25) = 5.77, p = 0.024, η 2 = 0.187].…”

“…Regarding behavioral data, we expected to replicate the differential priming pattern as a function of masking type and WMC that was reported in Megías et al (2020)' s study: When the ignored prime was immediately followed by a persisting mask, no reliable semantic NP was expected to emerge for either group. With a delayed mask, however, variations in WMC should modulate semantic priming effects, such that only higher-WMC participants (but not those with lower-WMC) should show reliable semantic single NP (i.e., a significant three-way Relatedness × Masking Type × WMC interaction).…”

“…There is now consistent evidence that behavioral (RT-based) semantic NP depends critically on the availability of working memory resources (e.g., Ortells et al, 2016b;Megías et al, 2020; see also Noguera et al, 2019). Note, however, that no study so far has addressed whether the individual differences in WMC could also modulate NP-related electrophysiological (ERP) correlates that were functionally linked to behavioral measures of semantic NP.…”

“…For each participant and masking type, the same prime and target words (four pairs from each semantic category) were presented on both related and unrelated trials (see also Megías et al, 2020).…”

“…The modulation of semantic NP by individual differences in WMC has recently been replicated by Megías et al (2020). In their NP study, participants were instructed to always ignore the single prime word on every priming trial.…”