Working memory involves a range of functions, including maintenance of information and processing that
information undisturbed by distraction. Neuroscientific studies have observed critical contributions from
frontal and parietal brain regions during processing of cognitive demanding tasks. However, less is known
about individual differences in the resting state and their association with working memory capacity. In this
study, electrophysiological recordings were taken from thirty volunteers in eyes closed and eyes open
conditions after completing the automated version of the operation span task. The results reveal two clusters
of correlations: a midline-theta cluster and a parieto-temporal alpha cluster. The theta and alpha clusters
have a negative and a positive correlation with operation span performance, respectively. These results are
interpreted as individual differences in cognitive preparedness, with the centro-parietal region being critical
in switching between outward and inward attention, with the balance of theta and alpha spectral power at
Pz indicating to where cognitive resources are directed.