title: When does a good working memory counteract proactive interference? Surprising evidence from a probe recognition task.
abstract: It is often proposed that individuals with high working memory span overcome proactive interference (PI) from previous trials, saving working memory for task-relevant items. We examined this hypothesis in word-list probe recognition. We found no difference in PI related to span. Instead, ex-gaussian analysis of reaction time showed speed advantages for high spans specific to short lists (3 or 4 items) but absent from longer lists (6 or 8 items). We suggest that high-span advantages in reaction time are based on finesse during easy trials, not on overcoming PI.
authors.affiliation: Psychological Sciences Department.
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.affiliation: Psychological Sciences Department.
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Saults
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011334:Proactive Inhibition; D011930:Reaction Time; D021641:Recognition, Psychology