Binding in visual working memory is task-dependent

Abstract

AbstractWorking memory is a neurocognitive system for maintaining and manipulating information online for a short period after the source of information disappeared. What information is held in working memory was shown to flexibly match current functional goal. Considering this, we revisited the question of whether information is held in WM as separate features or as bound objects. We conjectured that rather than having a fixed answer, the format in which information is maintained in working memory is also task-dependent. In two studies focusing on binding between two non-spatial features (color and orientation), or between a spatial and a non-spatial feature (location and color), we manipulated the relative relevance of conjunctions and separate features, in a delayed (Yes/No) recognition task. We found that memory for feature conjunctions was better when required by the task for both types of binding. Moreover, we found that the memory of the spatial feature was impaired when conjunction was not encoded or maintained, while memory for non-spatial features was found to be relatively independent of the task. We conclude that the representation format of objects in working memory is influenced by task requirements.