Task-dependent representation of moving objects within working memory in obstacle avoidance.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was the quantitative analysis of the working memory representation of dynamic objects related to gaze movement behavior.


METHODS
Eighteen subjects participated in a virtual street-crossing paradigm. The primary task was collisions avoidance. To investigate the representation format, during a sub-task subjects were asked to reconstruct the traffic scene from memory.


RESULTS
The distribution of cars positioned during the sub-task reveals a task-dependent (i.e., collision-relevant) representation of about four cars. In contrast, analysis of gaze behavior did not show a preference for collision-prone cars.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects avoided collisions efficiently by applying a gaze strategy adequate to create a representation that fulfills the demands of the task. Collision-prone cars are more likely to be represented in memory, but not more likely to be fixated.
Hardiess
Gregor
G
Faculty of Biology, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Germany. gregor.hardiess@uni-tuebingen.de
Mallot
Hanspeter A
HA
D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D005403:Fixation, Ocular; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis