Changes to information in working memory depend on distinct removal operations.

Journal: Nature communications
Published Date: Dec 7, 2020

Abstract

Holding information in working memory is essential for cognition, but removing unwanted thoughts is equally important. Here we use multivariate pattern analyses of brain activity to demonstrate the successful manipulation and removal of information from working memory using different strategies including suppressing a specific thought, replacing a thought with a different one, and clearing the mind of all thought. These strategies are supported by distinct brain regions and have differential consequences for allowing new information to be encoded.

Authors

  • Hyojeong Kim
    Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
  • Harry R Smolker
    Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
  • Louisa L Smith
    Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
  • Marie T Banich
    Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
  • Jarrod A Lewis-Peacock
    Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.

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