Visual working memory for configural information

Natural vision integrates both local and global environmental information, which finds representation and retention in visual working memory (VWM). Previous research has illustrated the nuanced manipulation of global and local representations within VWM. Notably, a configural cue's presence has been shown to enhance global VWM representations while leaving local representations unaffected. However, it remains unclear whether an invalid configural cue could also detrimentally impact global VWM representations. This study employs Xie & Zhang's (2017) orientation VWM change detection task to explore the effects of configural cues (invalid versus neutral) on VWM performance. The task involves connecting the centers of each orientation bar in a coherent (invalid cue condition) or random (neutral cue condition) manner, forming simple and complex polygons, respectively. We independently measure local and global VWM representations using the Xie & Zhang Dual Trace Signal Detection (DTSD) model (2017). Our hypothesis posits that the invalid cue will impair global VWM representations compared to the neutral cue. Preliminary data aligns with this prediction, underscoring the pivotal role of global representation beyond item-based representation in VWM. This research adds to the growing literature on the impacts of irrelevant contextual information on the dynamics of visual working memory.