Multidimensional resource allocation: The role of attentional control in the allocation of visual short-term memory resources

Moore, Stuart Bryan

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted the importance of attention in the allocation of visual short-term memory (vSTM) resources. However, much of this research examined performance across a single feature dimension (e.g., colour), disregarding the potential impact of attending to multivalent items which are more typically found in everyday life. Across a series of experiments, vSTM performance in situations wherein the relevant feature dimension either repeated or switched was investigated to assess the role of attentional control in vSTM resource allocation. In Chapter 2, change detection tasks were used, with dimension switches causing an increase in errors and response time relative to dimension repetitions, as well as impacting measures of sensitivity and response bias. This was supplemented by further change detection experiments within Chapter 3 which showed that the extent of the dimension switch cost is not influenced by independent manipulation of cue-stimulus or response-cue intervals. Furthermore, cue switch costs do not contribute to the overall dimension switch cost, suggesting an origin of error distinct to that associated with task switching. Chapter 4 provided a more nuanced insight into the cause of dimension switch costs using a continuous report task alongside mixture modelling. Overall, there was little evidence for dimension switch costs in both behavioural measures and model parameters. In Chapter 5, change localisation tasks were used and six models were generated to provide further insight into the cause of dimension switch costs. Results from these experiments revealed no evidence in support of a dimension switch cost, with formal model comparison revealing that a model wherein all parameters were fixed across sequencing condition was favoured. Taken together, the results of the present research are somewhat inconclusive. While there does appear to be some role of attentional control in vSTM resource allocation, it appears that this is only captured using specific methodologies.

Citation

Moore, S. B. (2023). Multidimensional resource allocation: The role of attentional control in the allocation of visual short-term memory resources. (Thesis). Keele University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 26, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 26, 2023
• Keywords: visual short-term memory, attentional control, resource allocation
• Award Date: 2023-06