Abstract: Focus of Attention (FOA) switch is one of fundamental executive functions in working memory. Previous results suggested that the visual-spatial sketch pad was recruited in attention switch of verbal working memory. In the present study, we examined the behavioral patterns of attention switch with the visual-spatial sketch pad when the phonological loop was suppressed by deaf students and articulatory suppression.
By using “tri-count” task, we compared the performance of FOA switch between deaf students and hearing students (Experiment 1). The result showed the RT of FOA switch was longer than that of no switch both in the two groups. Compared with hearing students, the accuracy of switch task was lower; and the RT difference between switch and no-switch was shorter in deaf students. In addition, switch direction did not affect RT, but a significant interaction between switch direction and distance was found in deaf students. The RT of close switch is faster than that of far switch in downward switch, but the RT of close switch is slower than that of far switch in upward switch. We further compared the performance of attention switch between articulatory suppression group and no suppression group (Experiment 2). A similar but subtle different pattern was found between articulatory suppression group and deaf students.
The current result suggested the central executive of working memory shows high flexibility. The FOA switch with the visual-spatial sketchpad can exhibit different pattern when the phonological loop has been suppressed. Comparing with the condition of the temporal suppression, functional compensation is observed in permanent suppression.

Key words: focus of attention switch, working memory, phonological loop, deaf student, articulatory suppression