Brain electrical activity of information maintenance mechanisms in working memory: a systematic review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22544/rcps.v44i01.13

Keywords:

working memory, brain electrical activity, electroencephalography, attentional refreshing, subvocal rehearsal, elaboration, systematic review

Abstract

The documented limitations of working memory have fostered the study of the neurophysiological correlates of information maintenance. Various researchers have evaluated brain activity using different methodologies, making a comprehensive evaluation of the findings necessary. In this systematic review, we analyzed brain activity in studies that include subvocal rehearsal, attentional refreshing, and elaboration as mechanisms of information maintenance. Additionally, we examined the theoretical and operational consistency of these mechanisms across different studies. We conducted the literature review between July 5, 2023, and April 2, 2024, in databases such as EBSCOHost, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Proquest, Redalyc, Scielo, PsyArxiv, PsycNet, Springerlink, and GoogleScholar. We selected published studies, preprints, or theses with experimental or quasi-experimental designs that focusedon mechanisms of working memory maintenance and analyzed brain activity. The 21 included studies showed a reasonable methodological rigor (Range = 15-24). We identified that, during maintenance periods, there was modulation of activity in ERP components, in different frequency bands, and synchronization of activity in various brain regions. Most studies referenced the phonological loop and sustained attention as mechanisms of subvocal rehearsal and attentional refreshing, respectively. Regarding elaboration, the two included articles characterized it as the brain and cognitive activity during maintenance intervals. With this work, we seek to promote research agendas that better integrate theory and findings in this field.

Author Biographies

Bradly Marín-Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

Professor and researcher at the School of Psychology and as a laboratory technician at the Center for Neuroscience Research at the University of Costa Rica. He holds a Master's degree in Cognitive Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Costa Rica. His research focuses on the use of physiological recording methodologies (such as electroencephalography) for the study of cognitive and emotional processes, as well as the development of meta-analyses in Health Psychology and Cognitive Psychology. He also participates in projects focused on working memory, neurofeedback, and statistical analysis of experimental data.

Odir Antonio Rodríguez-Villagra, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

He holds a PhD from the University of Potsdam in Germany. He is currently the director of the Center for Neuroscience Research and was the director of the Graduate Program in Cognitive Sciences at the University of Costa Rica. He is also a researcher at the Institute of Psychological Research and a professor at the School of Psychology, the Graduate Program in Cognitive Sciences, and other academic units at the University of Costa Rica. His research currently focuses on understanding the factors that limit working memory capacity and the processes that assist with information retention. He approaches these aspects methodologically through statistical modeling, mathematical modeling, electroencephalography studies, and eye movement recording.

Luis Carlos González Flores , Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

Advanced student at the University of Costa Rica. He holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Statistics from the University of Costa Rica. His academic and professional interests focus on data analysis, applied statistics, and the development of computational tools for research in psychology and social sciences.

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Marín-Picado, B., Rodríguez-Villagra, O. A., & González Flores, L. C. (2025). Brain electrical activity of information maintenance mechanisms in working memory: a systematic review. Costa Rican Journal of Psychology, 44(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.22544/rcps.v44i01.13

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 1 (2025): Psychology and Neuroscience: Contributions and challenges for the multidisciplinary study of human behavior and cognition (January-June 2025, continuous publication)

Section

Psychology and Neuroscience

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