title: Does working memory load facilitate target detection?
abstract: Previous studies demonstrated that increasing working memory (WM) load delays performance of a concurrent task, by distracting attention and thus interfering with encoding and maintenance processes. The present study used a version of the change detection task with a target detection requirement during the retention interval. In contrast to the above prediction, target detection was faster following a larger set-size, specifically when presented shortly after the memory array (up to 400 ms). The effect of set-size on target detection was also evident when no memory retention was required. The set-size effect was also found using different modalities. Moreover, it was only observed when the memory array was presented simultaneously, but not sequentially. These results were explained by increased phasic alertness exerted by the larger visual display. The present study offers new evidence of ongoing attentional processes in the commonly-used change detection paradigm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fruchtman-Steinbok
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel. Electronic address: kesslery@bgu.ac.il.
authors.forename: Yoav
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kessler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Change detection; Phasic alertness; Working memory