Memory and Proactive Interference for spatially distributed items

Endress, Ansgar D. · 2022 · Crossref

DOI: 10.3758/s13421-021-01239-1

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Summary

This paper investigates the role of Proactive Interference (PI) in visual working memory, specifically addressing whether spatial information protects memory against interference from previously encountered items. While prior research suggests that visual working memory for spatially distributed items may be less susceptible to PI than other memory forms, the author challenges this view. The study aims to determine if PI occurs for spatially distributed items, whether interference arises from simple item representations or item-location combinations, and how the presence and predictiveness of spatial information affect memory performance and PI susceptibility. The research employs mathematical modeling and experimental analysis to examine these questions. The author builds on previous paradigms, such as the recent probe task and change detection tasks, to isolate the effects of spatial distribution. Specifically, the study separates the effects of the mere presence of spatial information from its predictiveness. By analyzing memory performance in tasks where items are spatially distributed, the author tests whether binding items to spatial locations creates more distinct, less confusable memory representations, thereby reducing PI. The analysis focuses on distinguishing between interference caused by recent memory items versus test items, and between simple items versus item-location combinations. The findings reveal that PI is reliably observed for spatially distributed items, contradicting the hypothesis that spatial information protects against interference. The interference primarily stems from items that appear recently or frequently as memory items, rather than from their occurrence as test items, likely because the temporal context of test items is easier to encode. Mathematical modeling demonstrates that interference occurs among simple item representations rather than among item-location combinations. Furthermore, while memory performance is impaired when items are spatially distributed, the susceptibility to PI remains unaffected by either the presence or the predictiveness of spatial information. These results imply that visual memory is impaired by PI for spatially distributed items due to interference from recent memory items. The study concludes that spatial information does not mitigate PI by creating distinct item-location bindings, as previously suggested. Instead, the limitations in retaining information are driven by interference among simple item representations. This challenges the view that spatial cues automatically enhance memory distinctiveness in working memory tasks and suggests that the mechanisms underlying PI in visual memory are similar to those in other memory domains, regardless of spatial organization. The findings contribute to the understanding of temporary memory limitations and the specific roles of spatial information in cognitive processes.

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• prospective memory interruptions