The combination of time domain and frequency domain analyses of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity has been found to allow for a more comprehensive understanding many different neural mechanisms. For example, Romero et al. (2008) observed a switch in cognitive strategy through practice, in which participants solve problems by switching from a multi-step strategy to retrieving the answer from memory. This skill-related switch in strategy is accompanied by an overall decrease in cognitive load required to complete the task, and with two different, yet independent markers of electrical brain activity. Time domain analysis of EEG activity or event-related potentials (ERP) from individuals after practice resulted in a decreased positive peak approximately 300 ms after problem presentation. A frequency domain analysis of the same data was found to exhibit event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the Beta frequency band. This project represents a thorough review of the literature citing Romero et al. (2008) to identify next steps necessary in understanding the underlying neural mechanisms associated with these electrophysiological markers of decreased cognitive load and their overall role in skill-related neuroplasticity.
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