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.
Highlights
Working memory (WM) is a fundamental cognitive system that maintains and manipulates information from the outside world in a short period for goal-directed actions (Baddeley, 2012)
Researchers are fascinated about the mechanisms of WM capacity as the capacity is highly correlated with general intelligence (IQ) (Redick et al, 2011)
Given the restricted resource of WM, it is essential to rely on selective attention, the goal-directed focus on certain aspects of the environment, while ignoring other irrelevant aspects
Summary
Working memory (WM) is a fundamental cognitive system that maintains and manipulates information from the outside world in a short period for goal-directed actions (Baddeley, 2012). How to cite this article Ku (2018), Selective attention on representations in working memory: cognitive and neural mechanisms. Given the restricted resource of WM, it is essential to rely on selective attention, the goal-directed focus on certain aspects of the environment, while ignoring other irrelevant aspects. Empirical studies suggests that individual differences in WM capacity are correlated with the ability to control attention (Kane et al, 2001), and those who have lower WM capacity are not able to filter out distractors during WM maintenance Effectively orienting attention during WM is important for goal-directed processes and behaviors
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