[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/ Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Dynamic visual noise reduces confidence in short-term memory for visual information

  • Short Report
  • Published:
Cognitive Processing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Previous research has shown effects of the visual interference technique, dynamic visual noise (DVN), on visual imagery, but not on visual short-term memory, unless retention of precise visual detail is required. This study tested the prediction that DVN does also affect retention of gross visual information, specifically by reducing confidence. Participants performed a matrix pattern memory task with three retention interval interference conditions (DVN, static visual noise and no interference control) that varied from trial to trial. At recall, participants indicated whether or not they were sure of their responses. As in previous research, DVN did not impair recall accuracy or latency on the task, but it did reduce recall confidence relative to static visual noise and no interference. We conclude that DVN does distort visual representations in short-term memory, but standard coarse-grained recall measures are insensitive to these distortions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
£29.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (United Kingdom)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Andrade J, Kemps E, Werniers Y, May J, Szmalec A (2002) Insensitivity of visual short-term memory to irrelevant visual information. Quart J Exp Psychol 55A:753–774

    Google Scholar 

  • Avons SE, Sestieri C (2005) Dynamic visual noise: no interference with visual short-term memory or the construction of visual images. Eur J Cogn Psychol 17:405–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baddeley AD (1986) Working memory. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Baddeley AD, Andrade J (2000) Working memory and the vividness of imagery. J Exp Psychol Gen 129:126–145

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen J (1988) Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences, 2nd edn. Academic Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Darling S, Della Sala S, Logie RH (2007) Behavioural evidence for separating components within visuo-spatial working memory. Cogn Proc 8:175–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darling S, Della Sala S, Logie RH (2009) Dissociation between appearance and location within visuo-spatial working memory. Quart J Exp Psychol 62:417–425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dean GM, Dewhurst SA, Morris PE, Whittaker A (2005) Selective interference with the use of visual images in the symbolic distance paradigm. J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn 31:1043–1068

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dean GM, Dewhurst SA, Whittaker A (2008) Dynamic visual noise interferes with storage in visual working memory. Exp Psychol 55:283–289

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Della Sala S, Gray C, Baddeley A, Allamano N, Wilson L (1999) Pattern span: a tool for unwelding visuo-spatial memory. Neuropsychologia 37:1189–1199

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dent K (2010) Dynamic visual noise affects visual short-term memory for surface colour, but not spatial location. Exp Psychol 57:17–26

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kavanagh DJ, Freese S, Andrade J, May J (2001) Effects of visuospatial tasks on desensitization to emotive memories. Br J Clin Psychol 40:267–280

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kemps E, Tiggemann M, Woods D, Soekov B (2004) Reduction of food cravings through concurrent visuo-spatial processing. Int J Eat Disord 36:31–40

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kemps E, Tiggemann M, Hart G (2005) Chocolate cravings are susceptible to visuo-spatial interference. Eat Behav 6:101–107

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kemps E, Tiggemann M, Christianson R (2008) Concurrent visuo-spatial processing reduces food cravings in prescribed weight-loss dieters. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 39:177–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Logie RH (1995) Visuo-spatial working memory. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Ltd, Hove

    Google Scholar 

  • Logie RH (2003) Spatial and visual working memory: a mental workspace. In: Irwin D, Ross B (eds) Cognitive vision: the psychology of learning and motivation, vol 42. Elsevier, USA, pp 37–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Logie RH (2011) The functional organisation and the capacity limits of working memory. Curr Direct Psychol Sci 20(4):240–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Logie RH, van der Meulen M (2009) Fragmenting and integrating visuo-spatial working memory. In: Brockmole JR (ed) Representing the visual world in memory. Psychology Press, Hove, pp 1–32

    Google Scholar 

  • May J, Andrade J, Panabokke N, Kavanagh D (2010) Visuospatial tasks suppress craving for cigarettes. Behav Res Ther 48:476–485

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McClelland A, Kemps E, Tiggemann M (2006) Reduction of vividness and associated craving in personalised food imagery. J Clin Psychol 62:355–365

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McConnell J, Quinn JG (2000) Interference in visual working memory. Quart J Exp Psychol 53A:53–67

    Google Scholar 

  • McConnell J, Quinn JG (2003–2004) Cognitive mechanisms of visual memories and visual images. Image Cogn Pers 23:201–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson DG (2001) Imagery and the visuo-spatial sketchpad. In: Andrade J (ed) Working memory in perspective. Psychology Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn JG, McConnell J (1996a) Irrelevant pictures in visual working memory. Quart J Exp Psychol 49A:200–215

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn JG, McConnell J (1996b) Indications of the functional distinction between the components of visual working memory. Psychologische Beiträge 38:355–367

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn JG, McConnell J (1999) Manipulation of interference in the passive visual store. Eur J Cogn Psychol 11:373–389

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quinn JG, McConnell J (2006) The interval for interference in conscious visual imagery. Memory 14:241–252

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smyth MM, Waller A (1998) Movement imagery in rock climbing: patterns of interference from visual, spatial and kinaesthetic secondary tasks. Appl Cogn Psychol 12:145–157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steel D, Kemps E, Tiggemann M (2006) Effects of hunger and visuo-spatial interference on imagery-induced food cravings. Appetite 46:36–40

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tabachnick BG, Fidell LS (2001) Using multivariate statistics, 4th edn. Allyn & Bacon, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Meulen M, Logie RH, Della Sala S (2009) Selective interference with image retention and generation: evidence for the workspace model. Quart J Exp Psychol 62:1568–1580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeman A, Sala Della, Torrens L, Gountouna E, McGonigle D, Logie RH (2010) Loss of imagery phenomenology with intact visual imagery performance. Neuropsychologia 48:145–155

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmer HD, Speiser HR (2002) The irrelevant picture effect in visuo-spatial working memory: fact or fiction? Psychologische Beiträge 44:223–247

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Nathan Weber for developing the software for the computerised administration of the matrix pattern task and to Sarah Hollitt for assistance with data collection. We thank Daniel Reisberg for suggesting this line of research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia

    Eva Kemps

  2. University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK

    Jackie Andrade

Authors
  1. Eva Kemps
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jackie Andrade
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eva Kemps.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kemps, E., Andrade, J. Dynamic visual noise reduces confidence in short-term memory for visual information. Cogn Process 13, 183–188 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-011-0429-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-011-0429-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation