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Phase-dependent amplification of working memory content and performance

Author

Listed:
  • Sanne ten Oever

    (Maastricht University
    Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics
    Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging)

  • Peter De Weerd

    (Maastricht University
    Maastricht Brain Imaging Center
    Maastricht University)

  • Alexander T. Sack

    (Maastricht University
    Maastricht Brain Imaging Center
    Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+))

Abstract

Successful working memory performance has been related to oscillatory mechanisms operating in low-frequency ranges. Yet, their mechanistic interaction with the distributed neural activity patterns representing the content of the memorized information remains unclear. Here, we record EEG during a working memory retention interval, while a task-irrelevant, high-intensity visual impulse stimulus is presented to boost the read-out of distributed neural activity related to the content held in working memory. Decoding of this activity with a linear classifier reveals significant modulations of classification accuracy by oscillatory phase in the theta/alpha ranges at the moment of impulse presentation. Additionally, behavioral accuracy is highest at the phases showing maximized decoding accuracy. At those phases, behavioral accuracy is higher in trials with the impulse compared to no-impulse trials. This constitutes the first evidence in humans that working memory information is maximized within limited phase ranges, and that phase-selective, sensory impulse stimulation can improve working memory.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanne ten Oever & Peter De Weerd & Alexander T. Sack, 2020. "Phase-dependent amplification of working memory content and performance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-15629-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15629-7
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