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Modulations of posterior alpha power during working memory co-vary with task-dependent eye movement patterns
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  • Arne Hansen,
  • Dawid Strzelczyk,
  • Marius Troendle,
  • Nicolas Langer,
  • Tzvetan Popov
Arne Hansen
University of Zurich

Corresponding Author:arne.hansen@psychologie.uzh.ch

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Dawid Strzelczyk
University of Zurich
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Marius Troendle
University of Zurich
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Nicolas Langer
University of Zurich
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Tzvetan Popov
University of Zurich
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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.
23 Jul 2024Submitted to Psychophysiology
24 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
24 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
24 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Oct 20241st Revision Received
10 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
10 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
10 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned