Frontal theta as a mechanism for cognitive control.
Recent advancements in cognitive neuroscience have afforded a description of neural responses in terms of latent algorithmic operations. However, the adoption of this approach to human scalp electroencephalography (EEG) has been more limited, despite the ability of this methodology to quantify canonical neuronal processes. Here, we provide evidence that theta band activities over the midfrontal cortex appear to reflect a common computation used for realizing the need for cognitive control. Moreover, by virtue of inherent properties of field oscillations, these theta band processes may be used to communicate this need and subsequently implement such control across disparate brain regions. Thus, frontal theta is a compelling candidate mechanism by which emergent processes, such as 'cognitive control', may be biophysically realized.
Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Electronic address: jcavanagh@unm.edu.
James F
JF
Cavanagh
Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02915, USA.
Michael J
MJ
Frank
D001931:Brain Mapping; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013826:Theta Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*
ERP; cognitive control; computational modeling; frontal cortex; prediction error; theta