Neural dynamics of memory-based decision-making and episodic feeling of knowing in the decision-re-decision paradigm: An erp study

Investigating the neural dynamics of memory-based decision-making (Yes/No) and the feeling of episodic knowing judgment (FOK) using different task paradigms is essential for the memory and metacognition literature. The current study aims to examine the neural mechanisms of memory-based decision-making and the FOK judgment through the episodic memory paradigm, which includes the decision-re-decision phase, a new paradigm in the literature. The episodic memory task consists of five phases. In line with the aim of the study, the focus was on the third and fourth phases, named the decision and re-decision phases and evaluating memory-based decision-making and FOK judgment. Seventy individuals aged between 18-27 were included in the study. During the decision and re-decision phases, the neural dynamics of memory-based decision-making and FOK judgment were investigated contingent on behavioral response percent, reaction time, visual analyses of ERP topography and ERPs' amplitude values. Behavioral findings demonstrated that the reaction time (RT) of inconsistent "Yes," "No," and "FOK" responses was significantly longer than the RT of consistent responses. Additionally, the visual analysis results indicated the differences in the ERP topography of memory-based decision-making and metacognitive judgments. Finally, consistent with our expectations, regional and hemispheric comparisons of the decision type main effect were found significant for "Yes", "No," and "FOK" responses. Findings demonstrated significant amplitude differences between decision and re-decision stages in some N100, P200 components and late time windows (400-650ms and 651-900 ms). The results are discussed in the light of memory-based decision-making and metacognition literature. Keywords: Decision making, Feeling of knowing, Metamemory, Episodic memory, Event-related potentials, Re-decision.