title: Information matching the content of visual working memory is prioritized for conscious access.
abstract: Visual working memory (VWM) is used to retain relevant information for imminent goal-directed behavior. In the experiments reported here, we found that VWM helps to prioritize relevant information that is not yet available for conscious experience. In five experiments, we demonstrated that information matching VWM content reaches visual awareness faster than does information not matching VWM content. Our findings suggest a functional link between VWM and visual awareness: The content of VWM is recruited to funnel down the vast amount of sensory input to that which is relevant for subsequent behavior and therefore requires conscious access.
authors.affiliation: Helmholtz Institute, Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University.
authors.forename: Surya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gayet
authors.forename: Chris L E
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Paffen
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Van der Stigchel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology*; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: behavioral relevance; consciousness; interocular suppression; subliminal processing; visual awareness; visual perception; visual working memory; working memory