title: Theta synchronization and alpha desynchronization in a memory task.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Salzburg, Austria. wolfgang.klimesch@sbg.ac.at
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Klimesch
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Doppelmayr
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schimke
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ripper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D003344:Cortical Synchronization; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013826:Theta Rhythm