Methodological considerations for studying neural oscillations. (16th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donoghue, Thomas; Schaworonkow, Natalie; Voytek, Bradley
• Other Names: Keitel Christian guestEditor.; Ruxxoli Manuela guestEditor.; Dugué Laura guestEditor.; Busch Niko A. guestEditor.; Benwell Christopher SY guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 55:Number 11/12(2022)
• Page Start: 3502
• Page End: 3527
• Publication Date: 2021-07-16
• Subjects: digital signal processing -- electrophysiology -- neural field data -- time series analysis -- spectral analysis; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Neural oscillations are ubiquitous across recording methodologies and species, broadly associated with cognitive tasks, and amenable to computational modelling that investigates neural circuit generating mechanisms and neural population dynamics. Because of this, neural oscillations offer an exciting potential opportunity for linking theory, physiology and mechanisms of cognition. However, despite their prevalence, there are many concerns—new and old—about how our analysis assumptions are violated by known properties of field potential data. For investigations of neural oscillations to be properly interpreted, and ultimately developed into mechanistic theories, it is necessary to carefully consider the underlying assumptions of the methods we employ. Here, we discuss seven methodological considerations for analysing neural oscillations. The considerations are to (1) verify the presence of oscillations, as they may be absent; (2) validate oscillation band definitions, to address variable peak frequencies; (3) account for concurrent non‐oscillatory aperiodic activity, which might otherwise confound measures; measure and account for (4) temporal variability and (5) waveform shape of neural oscillations, which are often bursty and/or nonsinusoidal, potentially leading to spurious results; (6) separate spatially overlapping rhythms, which may interfere with each other; and (7) consider the required signal‐to‐noise ratio for obtaining reliable estimates. For each topic, we provide relevant examples, demonstrate potential errors of interpretation, and offer suggestions to address these issues. We primarily focus on univariate measures, such as power and phase estimates, though we discuss how these issues can propagate to multivariate measures. These considerations and recommendations offer a helpful guide for measuring and interpreting neural oscillations. Abstract : Neural oscillations are ubiquitous features of neural field data, with great potential for informing our understanding of neural function and how it relates to cognition. However, there is a great degree of variability in methods for investigating them, and findings that are reported. In this piece, we explore methodological considerations for analysing neural oscillations that may underlie some potential misinterpretations and propose best practice guidelines for addressing them.