title: What psychological process is reflected in the FN400 event-related potential component?
abstract: During many recognition contexts, old items elicit a more positive event-related potentials (ERPs) than new items at mid-frontal electrodes about 300-500ms. The psychological processes that are reflected in is ERP component (i.e., the FN400) has been vigorously debated. Some argue that the FN400 reflects familiarity, whereas others argue that it reflects conceptual implicit memory. Three experiments contrasted these two hypotheses by presenting pre-experimentally familiar (i.e., name-brand) products and novel, off-brand products. In addition, some of the off-brand products were conceptually primed by the name-brand product to determine how FN400 amplitude would be affected by conceptually primed, but novel, products. The results provided mixed support for both theoretical views, and it is integrated with a broader theoretical framework to characterize the psychological processes captured by the FN400.
authors.affiliation: The College of New Jersey, United States. Electronic address: Leynes@tcnj.edu.
authors.forename: P Andrew
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Leynes
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh, United States.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bruett
authors.affiliation: Washington University, United States.
authors.forename: Jenna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krizan
authors.affiliation: The College of New Jersey, United States.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Veloso
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Conceptual implicit memory; Event-related potentials; FN400; Familiarity