Theory of Oscillatory Neural Groups

Abstract

Several theories and models about the working manner of brain, are proposed in the literature. While older theories dealt with issues such as serial processing and capacity, recent theories have brought parallel processing into focus. Theory of oscillatory neural groups is a parallel processing theory such as Goldman-Rakic's "parallel sensory-cognitive processing theory", Mesulam's "large-scale neurocognitive networks and distributed processing", and Fuster's "hierarchical, dynamic and distributed networks of cortical memory theory". Theory of oscillatory neural groups is based on four main principles determined by the use of an extensive database. This theory explains the working manner of brain by combining these four principles. According to the first principle, reliable reactions of brain are the oscillatory reactions in resonance with the stimulus and the spontaneous self oscillations of brain, thus transformed into new waveforms to gain a functional meaning. According to the second principle, each oscillation represents several functions. Oscillation of a certain frequency is a composition of variables such as pre- and poststimulus status, region of brain, state of sleepawakeness, and species. The third principle states that there exist parallel oscillatory systems selectively distributed in the brain. Based on researches about oscillations of brain, this principle is also confirmed by neuroanatomical findings. The fourth principle claims that selectively distributed parallel oscillatory systems function in a composite manner. Unification is the main concept of this oscillatory neural groups theory that can explain cognition as well as brain, because "the whole equals to the factor of its components rather than the sum of them."