Abstract:
Working memory is enhanced for items that are prioritized via goal-driven attention. Stimulus-driven attention, or the guidance of attention based on the characteristics of a stimulus, can also benefit working memory when it is drawn to relevant information, but this mechanism is not yet understood. To this end, we proposed two hypotheses: first, that salience detection brain regions and processes would directly benefit working memory, and second, that working memory for information that elicits stimulus-driven attention would be improved indirectly through the enhancement of controlled processing. To test these ideas, we conducted two experiments using functional MRI and event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Our results showed increased activation only in cognitive control regions associated with the encoding of salient information. Our ERP results further corroborated this finding, showing larger amplitude in a parietal P3 potential associated with controlled processing of target information. Thus, we concluded that stimulus-driven attention can benefit working memory indirectly when cognitive control is enhanced to maintain task goals.