Improving visual short-term memory by sequencing the stimulus array

When multiple objects are presented briefly and simultaneously in a visual array, visual short-term memory (VSTM) can maintain only a limited number of these items The present research report reveals that splitting the to-be-remembered items into two sequential arrays significantly increases VSTM performance relative to the simultaneous presentation of the same Items A memory benefit also emerges when the full object array is flashed twice (repeated) rather than being presented continuously for the same duration Moreover, the sequential and repetition benefits are specifically pronounced for individuals with low performance for simultaneously presented items Our results suggest that the conventional, simultaneous presentation mode may underestimate VSTM performance due to attentional limitations and/or competition between stimulus representations In contrast, temporal segregation of the stimulus input may help participants maximize their performance and utilize their full VSTM capacity.