Processing in working memory boosts long-term memory representations and their retrieval

Prior research has explored how working memory influences the formation of new long-term memories, but its role in modifying existing representations remains unclear. This study examines whether attentional prioritization and testing in working memory enhance long-term memory retrieval and investigates the underlying neural mechanisms. Eighty-six participants completed a three-phase memory task combining a long-term memory- with a working memory retro-cue paradigm. First, participants learned object-location associations. Next, during a working memory task, some objects have undergone attentional prioritization and testing, others have only been tested in working memory. Finally, participants retrieved the object locations from long-term memory. Three key findings emerged: (1) both attentional prioritization and testing in working memory improved long-term memory retrieval; (2) serving as a probe in working memory further contributed to long-term memory enhancement, with benefits observ..., , # Processing in working memory boosts long-term memory representations and their retrieval

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.mgqnk99br](10.5061/dryad.mgqnk99br)

## Description of the Data and File Structure

This dataset accompanies the publication *Processing in working memory boosts long-term memory representations and their retrieval* (Sabo & Schneider, 2025). For detailed information on the **experimental paradigm**, **data collection procedures**, and **EEG setup**, please refer to the publication. In addition to EEG data, **raw behavioral data** are included and can be used independently for behavioral analyses.

Behavioral datasets are provided in the following compressed files:

* `behav_Exp1.zip`
* `behav_Exp2.tar`

For each participant, **four associated files** are provided:

1. `XX_learning.xlsx` – learning phase data
2. `XX_WM.xlsx` – working memory phase data
3. `XX_retrieval.xlsx` – retrieval phase data
4. `XX_diary.xlsx` – diary file with responses and response times across ..., All participants provided explicit informed consent for their data to be shared in de-identified form in a public repository. To ensure privacy and confidentiality, all data were de-identified prior to publication. Specifically, all personal identifiers (e.g., names, dates of birth, contact details) were removed. EEG data files were stripped of any embedded metadata that could link the data to individual participants. Participant codes were randomly assigned and do not contain any information that could enable re-identification. No video, audio, or other biometric data were included. These steps ensure that the data cannot reasonably be used to identify individual participants.