Posterior α EEG Dynamics Dissociate Current from Future Goals in Working Memory-Guided Visual Search

I.E.J. de Vries, J. van Driel, C.N.L. Olivers

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Current models of visual search assume that search is guided by an active visual working memory representation of what we are currently looking for. This attentional template for currently relevant stimuli can be dissociated from accessory memory representations that are only needed prospectively, for a future task, and that should be prevented from guiding current attention. However, it remains unclear what electrophysiological mechanisms dissociate currently relevant (serving upcoming selection) from prospectively relevant memories (serving future selection). We measured EEG of 20 human subjects while they performed two consecutive visual search tasks. Prior to the search tasks, a cue instructed observers which item to look for first (current template), and which second (prospective template). During the delay leading up to the first search display, we found clear suppression of alpha-band (8-14 Hz) activity in regions contralateral to remembered items, comprising both local power and interregional phase synchronization within a posterior parietal network. Importantly, these lateralization effects were stronger when the memory item was currently relevant (i.e. for the first search) compared to when it was prospectively relevant (i.e. for the second search), consistent with current templates being prioritized over future templates. In contrast, event-related potential analysis revealed that the contralateral delay activity was similar for all conditions, suggesting no difference in storage. Together, these findings support the idea that posterior alpha oscillations represent a state of increased processing or excitability in task-relevant cortical regions, and reflect enhanced cortical prioritization of memory representations that serve as a current selection filter. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our days are filled with looking for relevant objects, while ignoring irrelevant visual information. Such visual search activity is thought to be driven by current goals activated in working memory. However, working memory not only serves current goals, but also future goals, with differential impact upon visual selection. Little is known about how the brain differentiates between current and future goals. Here we show for the first time that modulations of brain oscillations in the EEG alpha frequency band in posterior cortex can dissociate current from future search goals in working memory. Moreover, the dynamics of these oscillations uncover how we flexibly switch focus between memory representations. Taken together, we reveal how the brain assigns priority for selection.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1591-1603
Number of pages13
JournalThe Journal of Neuroscience
Volume37
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Feb 2017

Keywords

  • EEG; priority; selective attention; states; visual search template; visual working memory

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