Frontotemporal function]al connectivity and executive functions contribute to episodic memory performance

•We examine EEG coherence and executive function contributions to episodic memory.•Frontal-temporal coherence predicted recency performance, not recognition.•Set-shifting predicted recency performance, not recognition.

The contributions of hemispheric-specific electrophysiology (electroencephalogram or EEG) and independent executive functions (inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility) to episodic memory performance were examined using abstract paintings. Right hemisphere frontotemporal functional connectivity during encoding and retrieval, measured via EEG alpha coherence, statistically predicted performance on recency but not recognition judgments for the abstract paintings. Theta coherence, however, did not predict performance. Likewise, cognitive flexibility statistically predicted performance on recency judgments, but not recognition. These findings suggest that recognition and recency operate via separate electrophysiological and executive mechanisms.