Electrophysiology of Auditory Memory of Paragraphs Towards a Projection/Activation Theory of the Mind

Introduction: An investigation into the QEEG parameters of effective auditory memory for paragraphs was conducted employing sixty normal right-handed subjects. Method: Four stories were read to the subjects. The subjects engaged in an immediate thirty-second quiet recall period, which was followed by the subjects recalling the stories outloud. A delayed recalled assessment (about forty-five minutes) followed the same methodology. Results: The recall performances were correlated with the QEEG variables. For the input period the absolute levels of the Alpha coherence and phase generators from the left temporal lobe (T3), as well as the coherence Alpha (C3, P3, F7) were the predominant determinants of success in addition to F7 coherence Beta1 (13-32 Hz) and phase Beta1 from F8. Immediate recall was determined by the absolute levels of the projections from T3 (coherence and phase Alpha), symmetry Beta2 (32-64 Hz) at T3 and peak frequency of Beta1 at T5. Long-term recall was determined by the T3 generators (phase and coherence Alpha), F7 projections (phase Theta, coherence and phase Alpha, phase Beta1, coherence Beta2), Fp1 and F3 projections (coherence Beta2), and Fp1 phase Beta1. Degree of activation (from eyes closed) revealed additional variables relevant to success. Discussion: These research results are integrated into previous neuKirtley E. Thornton has been working in the field of QEEG and neurotherapy since 1991 and has developed a methodology and patent employing QEEG in the field of lie detection. This article represents part of the results of three years of research into the area of decoding the QEEG signals. Dr. Thornton operates a mental health clinic in South Plainfield, New Jersey that specializes in brain injury and learning disability. He can be reached by e-mail ([email protected]). Journal of Neurotherapy, Vol. 4(3) 2001 E 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. 45 JOURNAL OF NEUROTHERAPY 46 roscience research and implications for theories of brain function and neurotherapy applications are discussed. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: Website: E 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]