Successful source memory retrieval is assumed to rely on intact preretrieval processes, such as retrieval orientation (RO). RO is the specialized processing of retrieval cues, depending on the type of information, memory is searched for. In a previous study, a positive frontal slow wave RO ERP effect was interpreted as reflecting memory search for self-relevant information. However, such a functional interpretation is hampered by the use of retrieval strategies as a consequence of which target source information can be indirectly inferred from the correct classification of non-target source information. To overcome this limitation, the present study compared two types of source information (i.e. color or character information) by asking participants to remember details within each source type and thus enforcing the selective retrieval of target information. Consistent with previous research, a positive frontal ERP component (600–800 ms post-stimulus) differentiated between correct rejections in both tasks, probably reflecting memory search for self-relevant information. Moreover, the RO ERP effect was associated with better source memory performance, providing evidence for the beneficial effect of ROs for memory retrieval. This relationship might be covered in memory exclusion tasks due to non-target retrieval.

假定成功的源内存检索依赖于完整的检索前过程，例如检索方向（RO）。RO是检索线索的专门处理，具体取决于信息的类型，要搜索的内存。在先前的研究中，正面的正面慢波RO ERP效应被解释为反映了对自我相关信息的记忆搜索。但是，使用检索策略妨碍了这种功能性解释，因此可以从非目标源信息的正确分类中间接推断目标源信息。为了克服这一限制，本研究比较了两种类型的源信息（即 颜色或字符信息），要求参与者记住每种源类型内的详细信息，从而强制选择目标信息。与先前的研究一致，正面的正面ERP组件（刺激后600-800 ms）在两个任务的正确拒绝之间进行了区分，可能反映了对自身相关信息的内存搜索。此外，RO ERP效果与更好的源内存性能相关联，为RO对内存检索的有益效果提供了证据。由于非目标检索，此关系可能会在内存排除任务中涵盖。此外，RO ERP效果与更好的源内存性能相关联，为RO对内存检索的有益效果提供了证据。由于非目标检索，此关系可能会在内存排除任务中涵盖。此外，RO ERP效果与更好的源内存性能相关联，为RO对内存检索的有益效果提供了证据。由于非目标检索，此关系可能会在内存排除任务中涵盖。