Intra- and interindividual differences in lateralized cognitive performance and asymmetrical EEG activity in the...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Previous research indicates correlations between mood changes and alterations in cognitive performance (verbal vs. figural working memory and fluency).
• Studies have also linked changes in electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry in the lateral frontal cortex to mood fluctuations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether the current state of cortical asymmetry predicts performance in verbal versus figural tasks.
• To examine the covariation between changes in cognitive performance and spontaneous changes in cortical asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure cortical asymmetry in resting conditions.
• Measurements were taken before task execution in two sessions, 2-3 weeks apart.
• Relative verbal versus figural working memory and fluency performance were assessed.

Main Results:

• Changes in relative verbal versus figural working memory and fluency performance covaried with spontaneous changes in cortical asymmetry.
• Cortical asymmetry was measured in the lateral frontal and central cortex.
• The state of cortical asymmetry was found to predict cognitive performance.

Conclusions:

• State-dependent changes in lateralized cortical activity may underlie cognitive-emotional interactions.
• The findings support the assumption of reciprocal influences between emotional and cognitive processes.
• Cortical asymmetry serves as a predictor for specific cognitive functions.