Multiple interactive neurocognitive processes may underlie brain activations during guided
episodic memory retrieval. The present investigation reveals that, although highly
correlated, retrieval effort and recollection strength mediate distinct responses in dissociable
sets of brain regions. The finding of separable but overlapping search and strength areas,
which correspond anatomically with three previously identified cortical networks, advances
our understanding of the functional role of these default, attention, and cognitive control
networks in episodic memory retrieval.