Interference in visual working memory

This paper uses the theoretical distinction that has recently developed bet ween the passive visual store and the active spatial rehearsal mechanism of the visuo-spatial component of working memory (VSSP). It examines the circ umstances under which visual fields gain functional access to the passive v isual store and seeks to cast light on the circumstances under which irrele vant visual fields interfere with concurrent visual processing. Experiment 1 contrasts a dynamic visual noise field with a static noise field and show s that the static field, in contrast to the dynamic noise field, causes no interference when presented concurrently with a visual task. Experiment 2 i nvestigates the reason for this contrast and concludes that the static fiel d is susceptible to decay and so fails to cause interference. Experiment 3 investigates further the circumstances under which dynamic visual noise cau ses interference and shows that manipulation of the number of changes withi n the noise field is also of importance in causing interference. The result s allow further consideration of the characteristics of the VSSP.