Characterizing synchrony patterns across cognitive task stages of associative recognition memory. (29th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Portoles, Oscar; Borst, Jelmer P.; van Vugt, Marieke K.
• Other Names: Mazaheri Ali guestEditor.; Slagter Heleen guestEditor.; Thut Gregor guestEditor.; Foxe John J. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 48:Number 8(2018)
• Page Start: 2759
• Page End: 2769
• Publication Date: 2018-01-29
• Subjects: associative recognition memory -- cognitive functions -- connectivity -- EEG -- hidden semi‐Markov models -- neural oscillations; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Numerous studies seek to understand the role of oscillatory synchronization in cognition. This problem is particularly challenging in the context of complex cognitive behavior, which consists of a sequence of processing steps with uncertain duration. In this study, we analyzed oscillatory connectivity measures in time windows that previous computational models had associated with a specific sequence of processing steps in an associative memory recognition task (visual encoding, familiarity, memory retrieval, decision making, and motor response). The timing of these processing steps was estimated on a single‐trial basis with a novel hidden semi‐Markov model multivariate pattern analysis (HSMM‐MVPA) method. We show that different processing stages are associated with specific patterns of oscillatory connectivity. Visual encoding is characterized by a dense network connecting frontal, posterior, and temporal areas as well as frontal and occipital phase locking in the 4–9 Hz theta band. Familiarity is associated with frontal phase locking in the 9–14 Hz alpha band. Decision making is associated with frontal and temporo‐central interhemispheric connections in the alpha band. During decision making, a second network in the theta band that connects left‐temporal, central, and occipital areas bears similarity to the neural signature for preparing a motor response. A similar theta band network is also present during the motor response, with additionally alpha band connectivity between right‐temporal and posterior areas. This demonstrates that the processing stages discovered with the HSMM‐MVPA method are indeed linked to distinct synchronization patterns, leading to a closer understanding of the functional role of oscillations in cognition. Abstract : EEG trials of an associative memory recognition task are parsed in fundamental cognitive stages predicted by computational cognitive models. Phase consistency, phase connectivity, and power at each cognitive stage are computed. Distinct patterns of connectivity were found for each cognitive stage. These analyses relate connectivity networks to individual cognitive functions.