An ERP study on self-relevant object recognition

Brain Cogn. 2007 Mar;63(2):182-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bandc.2006.12.001. Epub 2007 Jan 16.

Abstract

We performed an event-related potential study to investigate the self-relevance effect in object recognition. Three stimulus categories were prepared: SELF (participant's own objects), FAMILIAR (disposable and public objects, defined as objects with less-self-relevant familiarity), and UNFAMILIAR (others' objects). The participants' task was to watch the stimuli passively. Results showed that left-lateralized N250 activity differentiated SELF and FAMILIAR from UNFAMILIAR, but SELF and FAMILIAR were not differentiated. In the later time-course, SELF was dissociated from FAMILIAR, indicating the self-relevance effect in object recognition at this stage. This activity did not show consistent lateralization, in contrast to previous studies reporting right lateralization in self-relevant face and name recognition. We concluded that in object recognition, self-relevance was processed by higher-order cognitive functions later than 300ms after stimulus onset.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Face
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Names
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology*
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Self Concept*