Data from: Neural mechanisms of resource allocation in working memory

To mitigate capacity limits of working memory, people allocate resources
according to an item’s relevance. However, the neural mechanisms
supporting such a critical operation remain unknown. Here, we developed
computational neuroimaging methods to decode and demix neural responses
associated with multiple items in working memory with different
priorities. In striate and extrastriate cortex, the gain of neural
responses tracked the priority of memoranda. We decoded higher-priority
memoranda with smaller error and lower uncertainty. Moreover, these neural
differences predicted behavioral differences in memory prioritization
between and within participants. Remarkably, trialwise variability in the
magnitude of delay activity in frontal cortex predicted differences in
decoded precision between low and high-priority items in visual cortex.
These results support a model in which feedback signals broadcast from
frontal cortex sculpt the gain of memory representations in visual cortex
according to behavioral relevance, thus, identifying a neural mechanism
for resource allocation.