GET STARTED Investigating the Neurophysiological Representation of Active Removal in Working Memory

Working memory has been defined as a system that allows one to hold a limited amount
of information available for goal-directed processing. Accordingly, it is widely regarded
as one of the most essential cognitive functions, relevant to all mental operations that
require holding a thought in a heightened state of availability, such as learning a new
language, following a conversation or update your mental shopping list in the store.
Although extensive theoretical and empirical work has been devoted to how information
is maintained in working memory, the mechanisms underlying how information is lost
remain elusive. In particular, there is an ongoing debate whether information can be
intentionally removed from working memory, suggesting the existence of an active
process that enhances cognitive functioning by deliberately freeing resources.
Conceptually, such an active process seems plausible and necessary, given the constant
influx and richness of information processed in working memory. Indeed, empirical
research provides evidence for such an active removal by showing that a) to-be-
removed information is less accessible at later recall and that b) removing information
frees resources thus boosting the memory for the to-be-remembered items 1,2. However,
recent studies also suggest that removal only functions efficiently under specific
circumstances, namely when cues indicating that information should be removed are
presented directly after encoding of the information (immediate removal). When
elements of a fully encoded set of information are to be removed (delayed removal),
removal is incomplete and less efficient.
Thus, preliminary empirical evidence supports the idea that information can be actively
removed. However, research currently faces issues regarding the measurement of
removal efficacy, and the validity of paradigms used to investigate removal.
The goals of this project are therefore 1) to establish and evaluate a paradigm for the
neurophysiological investigation of immediate and delayed removal processes based on
criteria derived from previous empirical studies, 2) derive neurocognitive measures of
removal thus overcoming current measurement issues and 3) gain insights into
temporal characteristics of removal. In sum, this project will generate important insights
for a subsequent large-scale study while also providing robust empirical evidence to
address current challenges in the research field.

Project Duration

01.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

Project Lead

Dr. Kathrin Sadus