Enhanced Working Memory Representations for Rare Events
Published in Psychophysiology, 2025
This paper provides direct evidence that working memory representations are enhanced for rare (oddball) events. Using a modified oddball paradigm and ERP recordings, the authors found that rare stimuli evoked larger P3b amplitudes, more precise memory reports, and improved neural decoding of stimulus location. A follow-up experiment controlled for proactive interference, confirming that rarity at the category level—not just instance frequency—boosts working memory fidelity. These results highlight a robust link between task-defined rarity and the quality of memory encoding.
Recommended citation: Carrasco, C. D., Simmons, A. M., Kiat, J. E., & Luck, S. J. (2025). "Enhanced Working Memory Representations for Rare Events." Psychophysiology, 62:e70038. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.70038
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