Discrete fixed-resolution representations in visual working memory

Weiwei Zhang () and Steven J. Luck
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Weiwei Zhang: University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
Steven J. Luck: Center for Mind & Brain, University of California, Davis, California 95618, USA

Nature, 2008, vol. 453, issue 7192, 233-235

Abstract: How working memory works As well as holding a vast store of long-term memories, the human brain creates short-term memories that last only a few seconds and are essential for performing tasks such as adding two numbers or comparing the attractiveness of two faces. We know that only a limited amount of information can be stored in short-term memory, but whether we store high-quality representations of a small number of items, or a potentially infinite number of 'low resolution' items is the subject of much debate. A new study of visual working memory resolves the matter in favour of the 'high resolution' option: short-term information storage does not discard quality in favour of quantity, but stores a relatively small number of objects, as discrete fixed-resolution representations.

Date: 2008
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DOI: 10.1038/nature06860

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