Editing Visual memory (section)

=== Neuroimaging tests ===
[[File:Visual Memory Brain Imaging Test.jpg|thumb|left|An example of a colored [[Geometry|geometrical]] pattern a subject would [[Encoding (memory)|encode]], [[Storage (memory)|store]], and [[Recall (memory)|recall]] while performing a visual memory [[neuroimaging]] test.]]

[[Neuroimaging]] studies focus on the [[neural network]]s involved in visual [[memory]] using methods designed to activate brain areas involved in [[Encoding (memory)|encoding]], [[Storage (memory)|storage]], and [[Recall (memory)|recall]]. These studies involve the use of one or multiple types of [[Neuroimaging#Brain imaging techniques|brain imaging techniques]] designed to measure timing or activation within the brain. The data collected from neuroimaging studies gives researchers the ability to visualize which brain regions are activated in specific cognitive visual memory tasks. With the use of brain imaging devices researchers able to further investigate memory performance above and beyond standard tests based on exact response times, and activation.

==== Control condition ====
The subject's resting brain activation level is first determined in order to form a control or 'baseline' to measure from.<ref name="PET">{{cite journal |last1=Roland |first1=P. E. |last2=Gulyás |first2=Balazs |title=Visual Memory, Visual Imagery, and Visual Recognition of Large Field Patterns by the Human Brain: Functional Anatomy by Positron Emission Tomography |journal=Cerebral Cortex |date=1995 |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=79–93 |doi=10.1093/cercor/5.1.79 |pmid=7719132 }}</ref> Subjects are blindfolded and instructed to lay motionless while simultaneously eliminating any visual imagery present in their [[mind's eye]].<ref name="PET" /> These instructions are intended to minimize the activation of brain regions involved in visual memory to form a true resting brain state.<ref name="PET" /> After the scan is complete a control has been formed which can be compared with activated regions of the brain while performing visual memory tasks.<ref name="PET" />

==== Activation condition ====
During encoding, participants are typically exposed to 1–10 visual patterns while connected to a brain imaging device.<ref name="PET2">{{cite journal | last1 = Vogel | first1 = E | last2 = Machizawa | first2 = M | year = 2004 | title = Neural activity predicts individual differences in visual working memory capacity | journal = Nature | volume = 428 | issue = 6984| pages = 748–751| doi=10.1038/nature02447| pmid = 15085132 | bibcode = 2004Natur.428..748V | s2cid = 4327158 }}</ref> As the subject encodes the visual patterns researchers are able to directly view the activation of areas involved in visual memory encoding.<ref name="PET" /> During recall subjects again need to have all visual stimuli removed by means of a dark room or blindfolding to avoid interfering activation of other visual areas in the brain.<ref name="PET" /> Subjects are asked to recall each image clearly in their mind's eye. While recalling the images researchers are able view the areas activated by the visual memory task. Comparing the control 'baseline' state to the activated areas during the visual memory task allows researchers to view which areas are used during visual memory.