Electrophysiological indices of preparation and behavioural performance measures for episodic memory retrieval

The experiments in this thesis were designed to understand how and when preparation for episodic retrieval occurs, and what functions effective preparation enables. It has been proposed that in order to engage in episodic memory retrieval one must be in a certain cognitive state, known as retrieval mode, which ensures that stimulus events are treated as episodic memory cues. The experiments described below identify boundary conditions for when correlates of retrieval mode can be observed, and contribute new information about how retrieval mode contributes to episodic retrieval. This was accomplished via analysis of behavioural and Event-Related Potential (ERP) data