gamma synchrony

the coordinated oscillations of cortical populations of neurons at frequencies from 25 to 60 Hz (gamma waves). This pattern of electrical activity, as recorded via intracranial electrodes or scalp electroencephalography, predominates during periods of focused mental activities. Growing evidence suggests that gamma synchrony may be a general mechanism for the integration of cognitive processes. Cross-frequency synchrony, including gamma synchrony, has been suggested as the neural correlate of consciousness. Gamma coherence is gamma synchrony with a brief phase lag.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

object constancy

1. in object relations theory, the ability of an infant to maintain an attachment that is relatively independent of gratification or frustration, based on a cognitive capacity to conceive of a mother who exists when she is out of sight and who has positive attributes when she is unsatisfying. Thus, an infant becomes attached to the mother herself rather than to her tension-reducing ministrations; she comes to exist continuously for the infant and not only during instances of need satisfaction. This investment by an infant in a specific libidinal object indicates that he or she no longer finds people to be interchangeable.

2. see perceptual constancy.