Time-frequency Analysis of Electroencephalogram Signals in a Cognitive Decision-making Task

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Decision-making involves complex cognitive processes.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) time-frequency analysis offers insights into brain activity during cognitive tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate brain activity patterns during a decision-making task using EEG.
• To analyze spectral power and phase synchronization across different cognitive stages.

Main Methods:

• A rock-paper-scissors game was used as a decision-making task.
• 64-channel EEG data were recorded during three stages: planning, confirmation, and feedback.
• Time-frequency analysis was applied to delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands.

Main Results:

• The first stage (planning) showed increased alpha and theta activity, potentially linked to the desire to win or avoid losing.
• The second stage (confirmation) involved alpha wave inhibition and delta wave synchronization, indicating heightened attention.
• The third stage (feedback) demonstrated distinct theta and alpha changes related to received feedback.

Conclusions:

• Time-frequency analysis of EEG signals is a valuable tool for visualizing brain activity during cognitive tasks.
• Specific EEG frequency band modulations correlate with different stages of decision-making.
• This pilot study provides a foundation for further research into the neural correlates of decision-making.