Modulations of posterior alpha power during working memory co-vary with
task-dependent eye movement patterns
Abstract
It is commonly agreed that power modulations in alpha oscillatory
activity serve as an inhibitory neural mechanism, selectively routing
information within neural circuits. In visuo-spatial attention, alpha
oscillations enhance the processing of relevant targets and suppress
potential distractors. However, there are inconsistencies regarding
alpha power modulations with increasing load in common working memory
(WM) tasks. Particularly, high WM load is associated with either
decreased or increased alpha power, depending on the type of WM task
deployed (i.e., N-back vs. Sternberg task). Next to existing cognitive
interpretations of this variation of alpha power with load, recent
considerations suggest the involvement of oculomotor action as a
complementary explanation. In the present report we attempt to test this
complementary view. We will conduct a large-scale combined
electroencephalography and eye tracking study with 120 participants to
examine the relationship between alpha power modulation and oculomotor
action in the context of an N-back task and a Sternberg task. We aim to
explore whether different gaze patterns during these tasks offer
explanatory value in addressing the variations in alpha power with WM
load. To this end, statistical tests on scalp-level power for the alpha
band (8-14 Hz) and gaze deviation metrics will be conducted.