Time-Based Binding as a Solution to and a Limitation for Flexible Cognition

Abstract

Why can’t we keep as many items as we want in working memory? It has long been debated whether this resource limitation is a bug (a downside of our fallible biological system) or instead a feature (an optimal response to a computational problem). We propose that the resource limitation is a consequence of a useful feature. Specifically, we propose that flexible cognition requires time-based binding, and time-based binding necessarily limits the number of (bound) memoranda that can be stored simultaneously. Time-based binding is most naturally instantiated via neural oscillations, for which there exists ample experimental evidence. We report simulations that illustrate this theory and that relate it to empirical data. We also compare the theory to several other (feature and bug) resource theories.

Alpha phase-coding supports feature binding during working memory maintenance

“…We localized the increase in phase-coding variability for swaps in premotor, motor, parietal, and visual cortical areas, in the hemisphere contralateral to stimulus presentation. Together our results suggest that feature binding in WM is accomplished through alpha phase-coding dynamics that emerge from the competition between different memories, which supports the theory of time-based binding for cognitive flexibility (Senoussi et al, 2022).…”

“…Thus, we provide convergent evidence that, in swaps, the sources of reduced neural phase synchrony and higher phase-coding variability are in contralateral areas. Together our results suggest that feature binding in WM is accomplished through alpha phase-coding dynamics, which supports both detailed computational models of feature integration in WM 26 and more general theories of time-based binding for cognitive flexibility 40 . More broadly, this work represents a demonstration of how mechanistic predictions generated by biophysically-realistic models can be tested using human neuroimaging.…”