ERPs and alpha oscillations track the encoding and maintenance of
object-based representations in visual working memory
Abstract
When memorizing an integrated object such as a Kanizsa figure, the
completion of parts into a coherent whole is attained by grouping
processes which render a whole-object representation in visual working
memory (VWM). The present study measured event-related potentials (ERPs)
and oscillatory amplitudes to track these processes of encoding and
representing multiple features of an object in VWM. To this end, a
change detection task was performed, which required observers to
memorize both the orientations and colors of six ‘pacman’ items while
inducing configurations of the pacmen that systematically varied in
terms of their grouping strength. The results revealed an effect of
object configuration in VWM despite physically constant visual input:
change detection for both orientation and color features was more
accurate with increased grouping strength. At the electrophysiological
level, the lateralized ERPs and alpha activity mirrored this behavioral
pattern. Perception of the orientation features gave rise to the
encoding of a grouped object as reflected by the amplitudes of the PPC.
The grouped object structure, in turn, modulated attention to both
orientation and color features as indicated by the enhanced N1pc and
N2pc. Finally, during item retention, the representation of individual
objects and the concurrent allocation of attention to these memorized
objects were modulated by grouping, as reflected by variations in the
CDA amplitude and a concurrent lateralized alpha suppression,
respectively. These results indicate that memorizing multiple features
of grouped, to-be-integrated objects involves multiple, sequential
stages of processing, providing support for a hierarchical model of
object representations in VWM.