Decoding hierarchical control of sequential behavior in oscillatory EEG activity

Elife. 2018 Nov 14:7:e38550. doi: 10.7554/eLife.38550.

Abstract

Despite strong theoretical reasons for assuming that abstract representations organize complex action sequences in terms of subplans (chunks) and sequential positions, we lack methods to directly track such content-independent, hierarchical representations in humans. We applied time-resolved, multivariate decoding analysis to the pattern of rhythmic EEG activity that was registered while participants planned and executed individual elements from pre-learned, structured sequences. Across three experiments, the theta and alpha-band activity coded basic elements and abstract control representations, in particular, the ordinal position of basic elements, but also the identity and position of chunks. Further, a robust representation of higher level, chunk identity information was only found in individuals with above-median working memory capacity, potentially providing a neural-level explanation for working-memory differences in sequential performance. Our results suggest that by decoding oscillatory activity we can track how the cognitive system traverses through the states of a hierarchical control structure.

Keywords: EEG-oscillations; hierarchical control; human; neuroscience; serial-order control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alpha Rhythm
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Humans
  • Memory, Short-Term*
  • Theta Rhythm
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.