[Coordination processes in visual working memory].

Abstract

Starting with a discussion on the coordination problem from different points of view within cognition the question is raised whether there is a dissociation of coordination demand of a task and the mental load for executing mental procedures. Three investigations are carried out with the paradigm of sequential mental transformations of patterns. Results of the first experiment show that coordination really requires additional mental effort beside the time necessary for mental transformation. In a further study the transfer of a coordination mechanism is proved. The influence of segmented information presentation demonstrates that amount of coordination is related to the stability and clarity of mental representations. Plans for further experiments are presented. The results are related to the current literature on working memory research.