The nature of visuospatial representation within working memory

The aim of this chapter is to consider the nature of visuospatial representation within working memory, and through a discussion of recent empirical findings and theoretical frameworks identify the extent to which contemporary working memory models can adequately account for the findings of research within visuospatial working memory. The initial component of the chapter will discuss issues associated with the articulation of the nature of visuospatial representation within working memory, both in terms of conceptual and procedural debates. The empirical data will be drawn from across cognitive science, with consideration of findings from experimental, individual differences, and neuroscience. A number of theoretical frames will be discussed, but with the emphasis upon the multiple resource models of Baddeley (1986, 2000, Baddeley & Hitch, 1974) and Logie (1995, Logie & van der Meulen, 2009) and the continuum model of Cornoldi and Vecchi (2003). Consequently, several questions will be addressed.

What are the theoretical and empirical issues in visuospatial working memory research?

To what extent can visual and spatial working memory be differentiated within working memory?

To what extent do the major theoretical models account for the representation of visuospatial information within working memory?

What are the ways forward in visuospatial working memory research?