UCL Discovery

Abstract

The neural correlates of retrieval orientation—the differential processing of retrieval cues according to the form of the sought-for information—and retrieval effort were investigated in a factorial design. ERPs elicited by test words were recorded during four recognition memory tests. Orientation was manipulated by varying study material: The study phases preceding two of the tests employed pictures, whereas the study phases preceding the other two tests employed words. Effort was manipulated by varying difficulty, using a combination of the variables of length of study list and study-test interval. ERPs elicited by correctly classified new test words were sensitive to both the study material and, to a much lesser extent, the difficulty of manipulations. Whereas difficulty effects onset early and were shortlived, the effects of study material onset later, extended for several hundred milliseconds, and did not vary according to difficulty. It was concluded that retrieval orientation exerts a major influence on the processing of recognition memory test items.