The picture superiority effect in encoding and retrieval processes during Japanese learning for Chinese bilinguals

In order to investigate the picture superiority effect, we compared the ERP between picture combined word (picture-word) and pure word (word) at study and test phase. During encoding, the FN400 was more negative and lasted longer for picture-words than for words. The late positive component (LPC) was more positive and distributed broadly for words compared to picture-words. During retrieval, the old picture-word elicited remarkably FN400 familiarity effect and parietal old/new effect compared to the old word. We suggested that simultaneous image and verbal encoding of picture-word elicited better and faster recollection compared to word during the memory test. Our findings also demonstrated that the picture superiority effect was related to the ability of pictures enhancing encoding and facilitating recollection.