Theta synchronization and alpha desynchronization in a memory task

Author(s): Doppelmayr, M., Schimke, H., Ripper, B.

Journal/Book: Psychophysiology. 1997; 34: 1010 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. Soc Psychophysiol Res. 169-176.

Abstract: In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that episodic encoding and retrieval processes are primarily reflected by a task-related increase in theta power. Individuals performed a recognition task with a total of 192 words. The electroencephalogram was recorded during the study and recognition phase. The results show that only those words that were later correctly recognized produced a significant increase in theta power during encoding. During the actual recognition processes too, a significant theta synchronization (increase in band power) was found for correctly remembered words only. In contrast to the theta band, remembered and not remembered words revealed a complex pattern of desynchronization in the lower and upper alpha band that was different during encoding and recognition.

Note: Review Klimesch W, Salzburg Univ, Inst Psychol, Dept Physiol Psychol, Hellbrunnerstr 34, A-5020 Salzburg, AUSTRIA

Keyword(s): theta; lower alpha; upper alpha; synchronization; desynchronization; episodic memory; RECOGNITION MEMORY; SEMANTIC MEMORY; EEG; PARADIGM; POTENTIALS; P300

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