Patterns of EEG alpha during word processing and relations to recall

EEG alpha activity was monitored during word presentation in a single trial cued-recall task. Initial post-word changes in alpha were related to a dimension of word meaning (arousal-neutral) while subsequent alpha asymmetry was a function of encoding instructions (verbal or visual). Initial bilateral reductions in alpha were associated with increased recall, but subsequent asymmetry in alpha was not. The results suggest a two stage pattern of cortical activation associated with memory storage processes.