Effects of perceptual and semantic cues on ERP modulations associated with prospective memory

• Examined effect of PM cues (semantic vs perceptual) on ERPs generated by PM tasks
• PM cues defined by perceptual features elicited the N300 and prospective positivity.
• PM cues defined by semantic relatedness elicited only prospective positivity (PP).
• Supports that PP represents general post-retrieval processes after PM cue detection
• Question view of N300 as marker of general processes underlying PM cue detection

Prospective memory involves the formation and execution of intended actions and is essential for autonomous living. In this study (N = 32), the effect of the nature of PM cues (semantic versus perceptual) on established event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited in PM tasks (N300 and prospective positivity) was investigated. PM cues defined by their perceptual features clearly elicited the N300 and prospective positivity whereas PM cues defined by semantic relatedness elicited prospective positivity. This calls into question the view that the N300 is a marker of general processes underlying detection of PM cues, but supports existing research showing that prospective positivity represents general post-retrieval processes that follow detection of PM cues. Continued refinement of ERP paradigms for understanding the neural correlates of PM is needed.