Recognition memory fluctuates with sustained attention regardless of task relevance

Abstract

Sustained attention fluctuates over time, affecting task-related processing and memory. However, it is less clear how attentional state affects processing and memory when images are accompanied by irrelevant visual information. We first quantify behavioral signatures of attentional state in an online sample (N1=92) and demonstrate that images presented in high attentional states are better remembered. Next, we test how sustained attention influences memory in two online samples (N2=188, N3=185) when task-irrelevant images are present. We show that high attention leads to better memory for both task-relevant and task-irrelevant images. This suggests that sustained attentional state does selectively affect processing for task-relevant information, but rather affects processing broadly, regardless of task relevance. Finally, we show that other components of attention such as selective attention contribute to the mnemonic fate of stimuli. Our findings highlight the necessity of considering and characterizing attention’s unique components and their effects on cognition.