Abstract
The findings of recent research have motivated a theoretical distinction between active and passive components of visuo-spatial working memory, but investigation of the active component has been inhibited by the absence of appropriate experimental tasks. We propose a new experimental procedure involving the mental reconstruction of pictures of objects from fragmented pieces. The results allow one to identify variables affecting the active elaboration of visuo-spatial material, and they support a capacity theory of active visuo-spatial processing. The roles of mental rotation, visual complexity, and processing load are evaluated. Furthermore, this procedure is proposed as a tool to investigate the architecture of visuo-spatial working memory and the relationship between peripheral modality-specific and central amodal processes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3-31 |
Number of pages | 29 |
Journal | Cahiers de Psychologie Cognitive |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2000 |
Keywords
- Active processing
- Visuo-spatial cognition
- Working memory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology