Working Memory Is Complex and Dynamic, Like Your Thoughts

Timothy J. Buschman, Earl K. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Working memory is where thoughts are held and manipulated. For many years, the dominant model was that working memory relied on steady-state neural dynamics. A neural representation was activated and then held in that state. However, as often happens, the more we examine working memory (especially with new technology), the more complex it looks. Recent discoveries show that working memory involves multiple mechanisms, including discontinuous bouts of spiking. Memories are also dynamic, evolving in a taskdependent manner. Cortical rhythms may control those dynamics, thereby endowing top–down “executive” control over our thoughts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17-23
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of cognitive neuroscience
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Working Memory Is Complex and Dynamic, Like Your Thoughts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this