Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:33
Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice
Published on: June 29, 2018
Control mechanisms in working memory: a possible function of EEG theta oscillations
Paul Sauseng1, Birgit Griesmayr, Roman Freunberger
1Brain Imaging and Neurostimulation Laboratory, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany. p.sauseng@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Electroencephalographic theta activity controls human working memory at both item and process levels. This brainwave activity integrates information and synchronizes brain regions for effective working memory function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Working memory involves complex control mechanisms.
- Understanding the neural basis of these control mechanisms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neural correlates of control mechanisms in human working memory.
- To explore the role of electroencephalographic theta activity at item and process levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on working memory and neural oscillations.
- Analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) data related to theta activity.
Main Results:
- Theta activity is implicated in working memory control at both item and process levels.
- Phase coding (theta-gamma coupling, phase resetting) integrates information at the item level.
- Interregional theta synchronization integrates brain structures at the process level.
Conclusions:
- Theta oscillations play a critical role in organizing brain activity for working memory.
- Theta activity serves as a general integrative mechanism for coordinating cognitive processes in working memory.
