Toward a Model-Based Cognitive Neuroscience of Working Memory Subprocesses

Working memory (WM) refers to a set of processes that makes task-relevant information accessible to higher-level cognitive processes including abstract reasoning, decision-making, learning, and reading comprehension. In this chapter, we introduce the concept of WM and outline key behavioral and neural evidence for a number of critical subprocesses that support WM and which have become recent targets of cognitive neuroscience. We discuss common approaches to linking brain and behavior in WM research seeking to identify the neural basis of WM subprocesses. We draw attention to limitations of common approaches and suggest that much progress could be made by applying several of the recent methodological advances in model-based cognitive neuroscience discussed throughout this book (see Chapters “ An Introduction to EEG/MEG for Model-Based Cognitive Neuroscience ”, “ Ultra-High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Model-Based Neuroscience ”, “ Advancements in Joint Modeling of Neural and Behavioral Data ”, “ Cognitive Models as a Tool to Link Decision Behavior With EEG Signals ”, and “ Linking Models with Brain Measures ”). Overall, the purpose of this chapter is to give a broad overview of WM as seen through the lens of model-based cognitive neuroscience and to summarize our current state of knowledge of WM subprocesses and their neural basis. We hope to outline a path forward to a more complete neurocomputational understanding of WM.