Neural correlates of false memory disqualification by true recollection of feedback

Abstract

Event-related potentials associated with disqualifying false memories were recorded in a novel false memory paradigm in which participants were given feedback during an initial recognition test, followed by a surprise retest where true recollection of feedback could be used to disqualify previous errors. Two spatiotemporally distinct components emerged: a parietal left-lateralized positivity indexing the recollection of feedback (500–900 ms), which was subsequently joined by a bilateral frontocentral positivity (700–900 ms) associated with rejection of the erroneous response and/or switching to the correct response. This latter effect seems to be distinct from the more anterior and later right frontal positivity typically associated with postretrieval monitoring.