Dynamics of brain activity reveal a unitary recognition signal

J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2019 Mar;45(3):440-451. doi: 10.1037/xlm0000593. Epub 2018 Jul 19.

Abstract

Dual-process models of recognition memory typically assume that independent familiarity and recollection signals with distinct temporal profiles can each lead to recognition (enabling 2 routes to recognition), whereas single-process models posit a unitary "memory strength" signal. Using multivariate classifiers trained on spectral electroencephalogram (EEG) features, we quantified neural evidence for recognition decisions as a function of time. Classifiers trained on a small portion of the decision period performed similarly to those also incorporating information from previous time points indicating that neural activity reflects an integrated evidence signal. We propose a single-route account of recognition memory that is compatible with contributions from familiarity and recollection signals, but relies on a unitary evidence signal that integrates all available evidence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Humans
  • Machine Learning*
  • Memory, Episodic*
  • Mental Recall / physiology*
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*
  • Young Adult