Working memory and inattentional blindness

Keith Bredemeier, Daniel J. Simons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Individual differences in working memory predict many aspects of cognitive performance, especially for tasks that demand focused attention. One negative consequence of focused attention is inattentional blindness, the failure to notice unexpected objects when attention is engaged elsewhere. Yet, the relationship between individual differences in working memory and inattentional blindness is unclear; some studies have found that higher working memory capacity is associated with greater noticing, but others have found no direct association. Given the theoretical and practical significance of such individual differences, more definitive tests are needed. In two studies with large samples, we tested the relationship between multiple working memory measures and inattentional blindness. Individual differences in working memory predicted the ability to perform an attention-demanding tracking task, but did not predict the likelihood of noticing an unexpected object present during the task. We discuss the reasons why we might not expect such individual differences in noticing and why other studies may have found them.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)239-244
Number of pages6
JournalPsychonomic Bulletin and Review
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Attention
  • Capacity
  • Inattentional blindness
  • Individual differences
  • Working memory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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