Late components of event-related potentials in paired-associate learning task

Abstract

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during a paired-associate learning task to investigate electrophysiological concomitants of the memory task. Eight college students were presented with a “stimulus” geometric figure and a “response” picture to be memorized (Study session). After the study session, they were asked to recall the “response” picture (Recall session). Both the Study and Recall sessions had four blocks. During the Study session, ERPs were recorded as a pair of stimuli. The number of recollected “response” pictures increased along with the repetition of the block. The P300 component of ERPs following the second of a pair was maximal in the parietal area. The amplitude of P300 increased and the peak latency of P300 decreased with repetition. These results suggest that P300 was sensitive to memory acquisition and racall processes. Increased positivity observed in ERPs evoked in paired-associate learning tasks results not only from the enhancement of late positive components, but also from the attenuation of negative-going components.