The neural correlates of context retrieval in false recognition.

Previous research has demonstrated that some false recognitions are accompanied by retrieval of contexts in which the corresponding semantic associates were presented during the study phase. What kind of neural processes support context retrieval in false recognition? Using functional MRI (fMRI), we tested the hypothesis that context retrieval in false recognition might be supported by brain areas in the core recollection network which also support context retrieval in true recognition. During the study, lists of semantically associated words were presented together with scene pictures that served as contexts. During test, participants judged whether the presented word was old or new. If old, they judged which scene picture was its context and rated memory strength for the context. The results revealed that several regions in the core recollection network, including the bilateral hippocampus, left angular gyrus, and left anterior cingulate cortex, showed greater activations for true recognitions with strong context memory than those with weak context memory. More importantly, these same regions also showed greater activations for false recognitions with strong context memory than those with weak context memory. These findings helped account for why some false recognitions are vivid and accompanied by retrieval of context.