Abstract: Slot models and flexible resource models are two kinds of viewpoints that explain how visual working memory capacity is allocated. According to recent studies, these two kinds of capacity models are both partially reasonable, and the “slot-resource” models integrating both of them seem to explain the existing evidence much better. In testing these models, the technology of cognitive neuroscience has played an important role. With the help of physiological index which is sensitive to working memory load, researchers can observe the allocation pattern of visual working memory capacity more directly.

Key words: visual working memory, working memory capacity, slot models, flexible resource models, slot-resource models, neural mechanisms