Attention,Memory,Control and Action

Ken Nakayama

Harvard University


 I review two decades of behavioral research examining the properties of visual attention, its relation to motor control and its dependence on short term implicit memory processes. The short term memory phenomenon (priming)  argues against top down control as it is conventionally understood. Yet, we also show in another context, strong object centered top down control of seemingly low level reflexes (express saccades). We argue and show that distinct motor plans can occur  in parallel and because of this, details of reaching trajectories can provide informative glimpses into otherwise hidden cognitive processes.