Resource or slot model in visual working memory: Are they different?

Abstract

SummaryThe ‘slot model’ and ‘resource model’ are two well-established theories used to explain working memory (WM) organization. With newer computational models suggesting that WM may not strictly conform to one model, this study aimed to understand the relationship between these models. By implementing correlational assessments of subject performances in two different tasks (analog recall paradigm with sequential bar presentation and delayed match-to-sample task (DMS) with checkerboard stimuli which are representative for resource and slot models, respectively), our study revealed significant correlations between WM performance (measured by DMS tasks) with recall error, precision, and sources of error (measured by sequential paradigm). Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of considering both models in understanding WM processes, shedding light on the debate between slot and resource models by demonstrating overlap in elements of both models.