# Cognition: Memory perseverance through binding

## TL;DR

This study shows that irrelevant memories in working memory do not get actively deleted and may linger, especially when people imagine combining items.

## Contribution

The study introduces new evidence that irrelevant working memory representations persist due to binding during imagined combinations.

## Key findings

- Irrelevant memoranda in working memory do not get actively deleted.
- Imagining combinations of items enhances the persistence of irrelevant memories.
- Memory perseverance is linked to the binding of items during imagination.

## Abstract

Are working memory representations that are no longer relevant actively deleted? A new study in Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics suggests that this isn’t the case: irrelevant memoranda linger on, especially when people create an imaginary combination of items they encounter.