[Event-related potentials and memory capacity: 2. Recognition of words]

Abstract

The second part of this study deals with the behavioral und event-related potential (ERP) findings from the recognition phase of incidental and intentional learning paradigms. Correctly recognized old items were characterized by a significantly more positive ERP in the 400 to 800 ms range when compared to correctly identified new items. Furthermore old words, which had previously been remembered in a free recall test were associated with a more positive ERP when compared to both, correctly recognized and nonrecognized old words. This effect also had an earlier onset latency. The findings are considered in the context of recent results from continuous recognition memory and repetition priming studies. It is concluded that in the present paradigm ERP differences due to recognition can be attributed to unspecific phenomena.