Projects / Programmes
Multimodal study of working memory
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.09.00 |
Social sciences |
Psychology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S260 |
Social sciences |
Psychology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.01 |
Social Sciences |
Psychology and cognitive sciences |
working memory, emotion, integration, EEG, fMRI, depression, functional connectivity
Researchers (11)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Working memory, the ability to maintain information needed for performance of an ongoing task, is a key ability that enables effective goal directed behavior. Despite intensive research within cognitive neuroscience of working memory, many questions remain open. The aim of the proposed project is to address in detail three related research areas. First, what is the nature of integration of information within visual working memory, and integration of visual and spatial information, and to what extent the later relate to EEG correlates of working memory load. Second, what is the nature of relationship between processing of emotional stimuli and working memory. Specifically, can their appropriate integration increase the robustness and precision of the maintained information in working memory. And third, to what extent and how does dysfunction of emotional processing in depression affect the ability of cognitive control and information maintenance in working memory. The chosen themes do not only address the existing research questions but by their combination and introduction of innovative paradigms open new lines of research and bridge the classical separation of research areas.
We wish to address the presented questions using an integrated approach to research in which we plan to extend behavioral studies of working memory by the use of electroencephalography (EEG) and functional brain imaging (fMRI), as we believe that only by relating different methods and levels of observation we can gain a comprehensive understanding of cognitive processes and abilities. This will enable us to extend the current research questions and findings with novel approaches and insights. Especially in the area of functional brain imaging we are also introducing new advance methods of functional connectivity analysis, which we have developed intensively in recent years.
Similarly, we believe that the study of cognition in health needs to be accompanied by its study in disease to enable better validation of results as well as ensure their practical value. Here as well, we are introducing novel research approaches and analytical methods for which we have demonstrated their informative value on similar areas of research. Their integration will enable better understanding of the cognitive and brain systems and mechanisms involved in the area of working memory and emotional processing.
The task is being tackled by an interdisciplinary research group that includes established experts as well as young researchers from the fields of psychology, neurology and psychiatry and brings extensive knowledge and experience with the use of planned research methods to addressing the chosen research questions.
Significance for science
The project addressed important questions in research of working memory, integration of emotional and cognitive processing, as well as understanding of the nature of the pathological mechanisms of maintenance of information in working memory in patients with schizophrenia. In the field of core working memory research the project contributed to more detailed understanding of processes enabling integration and maintenance of spatial and visual information in working memory, it enhanced our understanding of processes reflected in the contralateral delay activity (CDA) wave, as well as the representations, mechanisms and systems that enable maintenace of information in visual and spatial working memory. In the research on the relationship between emotional and cognitive processes the project enabled a better understanding of the nature of their interaction, and addressed the question of how emotional saliency of stimuli supports or hinders controlled cognitive processes, such as the execution of a working memory task. It contributed to better understanding of the nature of the working memory dysfunction in schizophrenia. Besides providing novel findings and enhanced understanding of working memory, the project opened new research questions and directions in working memory research, and contributed to development of research methods for the study of working memory in health and disease. By combining different reseach modalities and linking different levels of observation—from behavioral findings to electrophysiology and funtional brain imaging—the project contributed to development of comprehensive study of cognitive processes.
Significance for the country
The direct impact of the research project results on the economy and society is difficult to asses. The gained insights and understanding of the properties, processes and mechanisms of working memory will be most directly usefull in i) understanding dysfunctions of working memory in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, that are on the increase and already represent the major part of direct and indirect health costs in the European Union, and have a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals, their relatives and by extension the society as a whole; ii) in design and development of diagnostic tools and procedures. A more indirect and harder to predict impact of the gained understanding of working memory is also expected in school and work environments. The project also contributed to strengthening of cooperation with established individuals and laboratories from Washington University in Saint Louis, and Yale University. Successful resolution of research questions contributes significantly to promotion of Slovenian researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience, and indirectly of the Slovenian state in the international scientific research community. The project allowed the extemnsion of already-established research collaboration to young scientists and researchers and provided them with access to state-of-the-art know-how, acquisition of new knowledge and experience and offered them a possibility of making novel professional connections, which are of key importance in ensuring the successful development of cognitive neuroscience in Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
