title: ViSA: a neurodynamic model for visuo-spatial working memory, attentional blink, and conscious access.
abstract: Two separate lines of study have clarified the role of selectivity in conscious access to visual information. Both involve presenting multiple targets and distracters: one simultaneously in a spatially distributed fashion, the other sequentially at a single location. To understand their findings in a unified framework, we propose a neurodynamic model for Visual Selection and Awareness (ViSA). ViSA supports the view that neural representations for conscious access and visuo-spatial working memory are globally distributed and are based on recurrent interactions between perceptual and access control processors. Its flexible global workspace mechanisms enable a unitary account of a broad range of effects: It accounts for the limited storage capacity of visuo-spatial working memory, attentional cueing, and efficient selection with multi-object displays, as well as for the attentional blink and associated sparing and masking effects. In particular, the speed of consolidation for storage in visuo-spatial working memory in ViSA is not fixed but depends adaptively on the input and recurrent signaling. Slowing down of consolidation due to weak bottom-up and recurrent input as a result of brief presentation and masking leads to the attentional blink. Thus, ViSA goes beyond earlier 2-stage and neuronal global workspace accounts of conscious processing limitations.
authors: Laboratory for Perceptual Dynamics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wacō, Saitama,Japan.
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Simione
authors: Antonino
authors: A
authors: Raffone
authors: Gezinus
authors: G
authors: Wolters
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Salmas
authors: Chie
authors: C
authors: Nakatani
authors: Marta Olivetti
authors: MO
authors: Belardinelli
authors: Cees
authors: C
authors: van Leeuwen
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D054518:Attentional Blink / Q000502:physiology; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D010470:Perceptual Masking / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*