PET studies were done on the encoding/retrieval process of semantic/episodic memory and a unique double asymmetrical pattern was observed in the prefrontal regions (Nyberg et al., 1996). A hemispheric encoding/retrieval asymmetry (HERA) model was proposed to explain this unique pattern. This model states that the left pre-frontal cortex (PFC) is more involved in the retrieval of semantic memories and for encoding new aspects of the retrieved information into episodic memory than the right PFC. In contrast, the right PFC is more involved in the retrieval of episodic memories more so than the left. Furthermore, this pattern was observed for different kinds of information (e.g., words, numbers, faces) and for different conditions of encoding/retrieval (Nyberg et al.,
PET studies were done on the encoding/retrieval process of semantic/episodic memory and a unique double asymmetrical pattern was observed in the prefrontal regions (Nyberg et al., 1996). A hemispheric encoding/retrieval asymmetry (HERA) model was proposed to explain this unique pattern. This model states that the left pre-frontal cortex (PFC) is more involved in the retrieval of semantic memories and for encoding new aspects of the retrieved information into episodic memory than the right PFC. In contrast, the right PFC is more involved in the retrieval of episodic memories more so than the left. Furthermore, this pattern was observed for different kinds of information (e.g., words, numbers, faces) and for different conditions of encoding/retrieval (Nyberg et al.,