Focusing Attention within Long-Term Memory Representations: Underlying Brain Mechanisms and Behavioral Consequences

• Applicant: Dr. Melinda Sabo
• Subject Area: General, Cognitive and Mathematical Psychology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 551225269

Numerous studies have investigated the efficient filtering of external information. Additionally, based on the large number of studies using the retro-cue paradigm, it has also been shown that attentional selection can operate at the level of internal working memory representations. In stark contrast, our understanding of attentional selection within long-term memory remains unexplored. More specifically, there is a lack of systematic studies specifically manipulating attentional selection to examine the behavioral consequences and underlying neural mechanisms. The current project aims to fill out this major gap in the literature. During my research stay at the Wu Tsai Institute under Prof. Anna C. Nobre's guidance, I will pursue four primary objectives. Firstly, I seek to establish a comprehensive experimental framework tailored for the systematic exploration and manipulation of attentional selection in long-term memory. Secondly, I aim to characterize the mechanisms underlying attentional selection and its behavioral and neural consequences in long-term memory. Thirdly, I will employ mixture modeling approaches to capture the more fine-grained behavioral consequences of attentional selection in long-term memory. Finally, the project's ultimate goal is to connect the current discoveries from the working and long-term memory literature. These aspects will be addressed through three experiments, one involving behavioral data collection, and a third one including recording of magnetoencephalogram data. Addressing the proposed aims and research questions, will have both theoretical and clinical implications. At a theoretical level, it will reveal the extent to which principles of attentional mechanisms observed in working memory are transferable to the long-term memory domain. The clinical ramifications of the proposed project also vast. Deficits in internal selective attention play an important role in various pathologies, such as autism, attention-deficit disorder, or dementia. A better understanding of attentional processes within long-term memory will catalyze the development of better diagnostic and treatment tools.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professorin Dr. Anna Christina Nobre