Three layers of working memory: Focus-switch costs and retrieval dynamics as revealed by theN-count task
- 16 February 2011
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Cognitive Psychology
- Vol. 23 (2) , 204-219
- https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2011.481621
Abstract
Two experiments explored the process of switching items in and out of the focus of attention using a new paradigm, the N-count task (adapted from Garavan, 1998; N varied from 1 to 4). This task yielded a focus size of one, indicated by a substantial focus-switch cost for 2-count. Additionally, the focus-switch costs in response time increased with working memory load, indicating an effortful search process occurring at a speed of about 240 ms/item. Maintaining and switching to and from a passive load did not increase the focus-switch costs or decrease memory accuracy, indicating that there is no crosstalk between passive and active items. The results support a concentric theory of working memory: a small focus at its core, a surrounding area of (at least) three readily available items referred to as the outer store, and a still wider region of passive storage, possibly more long-term memory than working memory.Keywords
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