Abstract: Based on the mechanisms of selective attention and the focus of attention (FOA) in working memory, this article reviews 3 aspects regarding the switching of FOA in working memory: Firstly, the concept of switching of FOA in working memory and its basic research methods. Secondly, the cognitive factors which might affect the focus switch costs, mainly including retrieval, rehearsal, processing, update of memory and size of memory set, etc. Thirdly, the relation between FOA switching and the functions of working memory, including the relation between FOA switching and the executive functions of working memory, the relations between storage, processing and the executive functions of working memory which are all reflected through FOA switching, the relation between FOA switching and the distributing of resource in working memory. Finally the directions for future research are prospected

Key words: working memory, focus of attention in working memory, switch, distributing of resource