# A Neurocognitive Mechanism for Precision of Visual Working Memory Representations

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE · 2020 · $282,228

## Abstract

The proposed research will explore the core cognitive and neural mechanisms for maintaining
precise mental representations over a few seconds in working memory. Current research indicates
that imprecise working memory is a key cognitive dysfunction in mental illness, which may be
responsible for a common complaint of “brain fog” (e.g., blurry memory) from patients with mental
disorders. Greater knowledge of the cognitive and neural mechanisms by which precise memory
representations are maintained is pivotal not only to further our understanding of the overall
architecture of the human mind in the healthy brain, but also to lay the groundwork for future clinical
research on cognitive dysfunctions in mental disorders, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
 The research on working memory and its deficits in schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the
past several decades has emphasized the quantitative aspect (capacity) of working memory and the
corresponding neural mechanisms. However, only until recently has research begun to establish the
theoretical and translational significance of the qualitative aspect (precision) of information maintained
in working memory. The project will investigate the process and circuitry that support representing
and retaining precise information in working memory using a combination of novel behavioral
paradigms, individual differences, non-invasive brain stimulation, and functional magnetic resonance
imaging. A novel cognitive and neural mechanism, namely pattern separation (Aim 2) in the
hippocampal dentate gyrus subfield (Aim 3), is hypothesized to underlie mental clarity in working
memory (Aim 1), based on the large literature on pattern separation and the emerging state model of
memory that postulates a close relationship between short-term and long-term memories. The results
will feed directly into our ongoing translational research (Aim 4) on foggy memory in schizophrenia
spectrum disorders, including schizotypy (individuals at high risk for individuals at high-risk for
psychosis symptoms).
 The present project will provide a clearer understanding of the functional limitations in working
memory, which will establish the basic science backbone for future research designed to understand
and treat cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9983158
- **Project number:** 5R01MH117132-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE
- **Principal Investigator:** Weiwei Zhang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $282,228
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-09 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9983158

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9983158, A Neurocognitive Mechanism for Precision of Visual Working Memory Representations (5R01MH117132-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9983158. Licensed CC0.

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