The effects of test on associative memory depend on semantic relevancy levels: evidence of event-related potentials

This study aims to investigate how the level of semantic relevance influences the effects of test on associative memory through bottom-up cognitive processes. This study manipulated the levels of semantic relevancy using synonym and nonsynonym pairs in a three-phase testing effect paradigm (an initial encoding phase, a cued-recall test as retrieval practice, and a final test phase) to explore the effects of testing effect and semantic relevancy on associative recognition by bottom-up processes using the event-related potential (ERP). The behavioral results suggested that the test practice (relative to the restudy) significantly facilitated memory retrieval in high semantic relevancy pairs during the final test phase. The ERP results showed that the testing effect tended toward right laterality over time in the retrieval practice phase. Moreover, test practice (relative to the restudy) significantly enhanced FN400 for high semantic relevancy and intact pairs and significantly enhanced FN400 and late positive complex for high semantic relevancy and rearranged pairs in the final test phase. These results suggest that the test practice provided a greater boost in memory encoding and retrieval for high semantic relevancy items. Specifically, the effects of test on associative memory is modulated by the level of semantic relevancy.