Imagery processing in action memory–mental imagery is necessary to the subject-performed task effect

The generation of the subject-performed task (SPT) effect in action memory involves multiple factors, including imagery processing, but its role is unclear. This study uses event-related potential (ERP) technology to explore it in the SPT effect by controlling different encoding types (performance encoding with open eyes or closed eyes, imagery encoding, verbal encoding). Behavioural results showed that the correct rate of recognition under the first three conditions was significantly larger than it for verbal encoding, and there was an SPT effect. The ERP and behavioural results were consistent, and the SPT effect was also found, indicating that the effect could be caused by both performance and imagery encoding. At the Cz electrode site, performance and imagery encoding both induced larger late positive components than verbal encoding. This late positive component could indicate that imagery processing improves memory performance. This study showed that the imagery processing is necessary to the SPT effect.