The Temporal Dynamics of Retro-Cue Benefits in Visual Working Memory: Feature Cue VS. Spatial Cue

This study investigated the temporal dynamics of retro-cue benefits (RCBs) in visual working memory (VWM), focusing on the differential effectiveness of feature-based (color and orientation) and spatial retro-cues. Across four experiments, we systematically varied cue-probe delays to compare how rapidly and effectively these cue types enhanced memory performance. Results showed that both feature-based and spatial retro-cues improved memory performance when sufficient time was provided, but the timing and magnitude of RCBs varied significantly by cue type and feature properties. Color-based retro-cues generated RCBs more rapidly than spatial cues, likely due to the automatic processing of color. In contrast, orientation-based retro-cues required longer delays to produce benefits, reflecting their reliance on sequential attentional processes. Spatial cues, while efficient, required additional time to convert positional information into memory representations. These findings highlight the critical role of cue properties in determining the temporal efficiency of RCBs and suggest that feature-based retro-cues are not a homogeneous category, as their effectiveness varies depending on the inherent attributes of the feature. The study emphasizes the need for feature-specific frameworks in designing VWM experiments and models, particularly when examining the mechanisms of retro-cueing.