EEG Activity in the Process of Measuring-off of Time Intervals by Humans

Abstract

We recorded EEG from sites C3 and C4 in an experimental situation with internal counting-off of a 20-sec-long time interval, whose beginning and end were limited by the tested subject by pushing a button; 65 adult men and women took part in the tests. In the first experimental series, the subject obtained no real information on the accuracy in production of the interval. In the second series, such information was displayed by feedback visual signals. We calculated means of the measured intervals (\(\left( {\overline t } \right)\)), coefficient of variation of the realizations (CV), and, in the series with the real feedback, successfulness of measuring-off (normalized number of fits within an acceptable range of the standard interval, 19 to 21 sec). Analysis of the data obtained in the first experimental series for the entire tested group demonstrated the existence of a reverse dependence between the modal frequency of EEG beta rhythm recorded from the left hemisphere in the course of measuring-off of the interval and the \(\left( {\overline t } \right)\) value. In the second series, we found significant negative correlation between the beta rhythm power in both hemispheres and CV, that between the alpha rhythm power in the left hemisphere and \(\left( {\overline t } \right)\), and positive correlation between the alpha rhythm frequency in the left hemisphere and successfulness of the interval counting-off. Analysis of the dynamics of EEG of each tested subject demonstrated the existence of mostly reverse dependences between the powers of a few EEG rhythms and duration of the produced interval. We hypothesize that the frequencies of the alpha and beta EEG oscillations play the role of significant indices reflecting the speed of the “internal clock” of the individual. We also emphasize the complex nature and the high individual variability of the EEG pattern in the course of measuring-off of time intervals.