Disentangling working memory processes during spatial span assessment: A modeling analysis of preferred eye movement strategies |
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| Authors: | Virginie M. Patt Michael L. Thomas Arpi Minassian Mark A. Geyer Gregory G. Brown William Perry |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA;2. Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, CA, USA;3. VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA |
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| Abstract: | The neurocognitive processes involved during classic spatial working memory (SWM) assessment were investigated by examining naturally preferred eye movement strategies. Cognitively healthy adult volunteers were tested in a computerized version of the Corsi Block-Tapping Task—a spatial span task requiring the short term maintenance of a series of locations presented in a specific order—coupled with eye tracking. Modeling analysis was developed to characterize eye-tracking patterns across all task phases, including encoding, retention, and recall. Results revealed a natural preference for local gaze maintenance during both encoding and retention, with fewer than 40% fixated targets. These findings contrasted with the stimulus retracing pattern expected during recall as a result of task demands, with 80% fixated targets. Along with participants’ self-reported strategies of mentally “making shapes,” these results suggest the involvement of covert attention shifts and higher order cognitive Gestalt processes during spatial span tasks, challenging instrument validity as a single measure of SWM storage capacity. |
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