Working Memory Span And Control Of Attention

The present research explored whether the individual difference of working memory (WM) span was related to control attention in the mixed experimental design of the different intervals of cue and probe, the different kinds of probe, the different relevant set sizes and die different irrelevant set sizes. The modified Sternberg recognition task included two memory sets, one of which was later cued as irrelevant. The recognition probe was presented at a varied time after the cue (cue-stimulus interval, CSI). In any specific experimental condition the high WM span (high-span) participants reacted faster than the low WM span participants. That reflected the difference of the operating velocity. CSI was interacted with irrelevant set-size. Irrelevant set-size effect was disappeared after about one second for participants. That indicated that the irrelevant memory contents was deactivated and removed from the focus of attention. The reaction of bigger irrelevant set-size became faster after longer CSI than that of smaller irrelevant set-size. In any specific experimental condition there was relevant set-size effect. When the load of memory was higher the reaction was deferred. The probes presented in the irrelevant set were rejected with longer latencies than the probes completely new under different CSI (intrusion effect). That indicated the residual activation of the irrelevant memory contents was still in WM. The irrelevant set-size effect were more significant when the relevant set size was bigger. It could be concluded that the span of WM was related to the velocity of the operation, and the velocity might affect the relationship of the WM span and the activation of the aim and the inhibition of the interference of the irrelevant information.