Neural Oscillations and Hierarchical Consciousness

Neural Oscillations

Rhythmic patterns of neuronal activity in the brain.

Theta Oscillation

Brain rhythm around 6 Hz, linked to language processing.

Alpha Oscillation

Brain rhythm around 10 Hz, associated with visual processing.

Causal Evidence

Support for neural oscillations affecting cognitive functions.

Cross-Frequency Coupling

Interaction between different frequency brain oscillations.

Functional Brain Regions

Specific areas of the brain responsible for cognitive tasks.

Rhythmic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Technique using magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity.

Nested Observer Windows Model

Framework explaining hierarchical consciousness in cognition.

Hierarchical Consciousness

Concept of consciousness structured in multiple cognitive layers.

Communication through Coherence

Neural synchronization facilitating information transfer.

Flickering Awareness

Transient states of consciousness linked to alpha oscillations.

Cognition

Mental processes including perception, memory, and reasoning.

Causal Role

Influence of neural oscillations on cognitive performance.

Spatiotemporal Scales

Different levels of space and time in brain activity.

Original Figures

Visual representations used to illustrate concepts in neuroscience.

Cognitive Systems

Interconnected mental processes governing thought and behavior.

Absence of Awareness

State where cognitive processes occur without conscious attention.

Mind-Wandering

Shift of attention away from the primary task.

Midterm Review

Session to prepare for upcoming midterm exams.

Extra Credit

Additional assignments for improving overall course grade.

Neuroscience Quiz

Short assessment on neuroscience topics covered in class.

Psycho-Biology

Study of biological bases underlying psychological processes.

Cognitive Processing

Mental action of acquiring knowledge and understanding.

Driving Awareness

Conscious focus required for safe vehicle operation.

Attention Focus

Concentration on specific stimuli or tasks.

Cognitive Load

Amount of mental effort used in working memory.

Neuroscience of Consciousness

Field studying the neural correlates of conscious experience.

Nested Observer Windows (NOW)

Model describing consciousness through hierarchical structures.

Cross-frequency coupling

Phase-amplitude interaction between different frequency bands.

Observer Windows

Defined by spatial-temporal boundaries for cognition.

Emergence

Ideas appearing fully formed in consciousness.

Submergence

Limited control over lower cognitive processes.

Mosaic Tile Metaphor

Cognitive processes interlinked at multiple scales.

Binding by synchrony

Coherent communication between neighboring cognitive windows.

Communication through coherence

Information exchange via synchronized neural activity.

Zero phase lag

Synchrony where signals align perfectly in time.

Non-zero phase lag

Coherence with a time delay between signals.

Life at the Apex

Concept of higher-level cognitive emergence.

Visual saccades

Rapid eye movements during visual fixation.

Split-Brain Patients

Individuals with severed corpus callosum showing dissociation.

Internal Family Systems

Therapeutic model addressing dissociative identity disorder.

Tulpas

Imaginary friends created intentionally by individuals.

Exotic Organisms

Non-mammalian species exhibiting signs of consciousness.

Homunculus Problem

Philosophical issue regarding self-awareness in cognition.

Homunculus Solution

Concept suggesting nested structures in consciousness.

Cognitive processes

Mental activities involved in perception and thought.

Electromagnetic fields

Proposed substrate for consciousness in General Resonance Theory.

Conjoined Twins

Twins sharing brain structures coordinating thoughts and actions.

Slow Evolution

Trend towards slower cognitive processing in evolution.

Phase-amplitude coupling

Interaction between phase of one signal and amplitude of another.

Cognitive coherence

Synchronization of neural activity for effective communication.

Riddle & Schooler

Researchers proposing the NOW model of consciousness.

Apex Level

Higher cognitive functions emerging from lower processes.