Abstract
The self-referencing effect of memory (SRE), in which stimuli related to self are better remembered than other stimuli, has been connected to many neural components in event-related potential (ERP) research. The purpose of this study is to not only investigate the neural correlate of self-referencing memory encoding using ERP but to also explore the possibility of a subsequent memory effect of the SRE. It was hypothesized that when the encoding of self-referential information was compared to other information, a difference in ERP component amplitude would be apparent in the front of the scalp. In addition, it was hypothesized that stimuli that were correctly remembered in a later retrieval task would present a similar component when compared to stimuli that were forgotten. Participants were asked to evaluate whether an adjective accurately described either the self or a given other by making a yes/no key press during EEG recording and then surprise recognition memory test where they judged each adjective as old or new. We observed a main effect of self-relevance on a late positivity at right frontal electrodes. The significant late positive component was also present at encoding for words that were subsequently remembered compared to those that were forgotten. Thus, this frontal positivity may be a marker of self-referencing as well as an encoding processes that lead to better memory.