Event-related potentials during delayed recognition of Wechsler Memory Scale-R paired associate learning

The P300 is a component of cortical event related-potentials that has been linked to memory and recognition. This study examined P300 amplitude and latency during recognition of pairs of words from the WMS-R Verbal Paired Associate Learning subscale. After 24 subjects learned the pairs of words, they were shown pairs of words taken directly from the subscale that were combined to form matching or nonmatching pairs. This parallels the Delayed Recall subtest of the WMS-R. P300 amplitude was greater during recognition of matching word pairs and most prominent at central and parietal recording sites. P300 latency was shorter for matching than for nonmatching pairs. This points to a degree of psychophysiological validity of the WMS-R paired associate learning delayed recall task.