Coherence of Gamma-Band EEG Activity as a Basis for Associative Threat Learning [Registered Report Stage 1 protocol]

AbstractThe ability to predict events from external or internal cues is vital for survival in dynamic environments. Seminal work suggested that coherence in the cortical gamma-band forms the basis for the integration of information between sensory cortices during associative learning. Grounded in Hebb’s cell-assembly theory, these findings inspired extensive research on learning and memory, but results have been contradictory. Therefore, this registered report aims to replicate and extend the initial findings using a high-powered, multi-site study. Participants will be exposed to visual stimuli signaling the delivery or omission of an aversive electrotactile stimulus while electroencephalography is recorded. Successfully replicating the observed increase in gamma-band power and coherence between visual and somatosensory areas for paired versus unpaired cues would reinforce the hypothesized neural mechanism underlying associative learning. Extending these analyses, we anticipate that paired cues will elicit stronger visual alpha suppression, indicative of enhanced attentional engagement.