Power changes in infant EEG frequency bands during a spatial working memory task.

Developmental psychophysiologists working with infants have no commonly accepted frequency definitions of EEG waves or rhythms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the task-related power changes in three infant EEG frequency bands during the performance of a spatial working memory task by 8-month-old infants. EEG data were divided into three frequency bands: 3-5 Hz, 6-9 Hz, and 10-12 Hz. Although all three frequency bands showed some level of discrimination of baseline from task and among different processing stages of cognitive activity, only the 6-9 Hz band consistently exhibited these capabilities and distinguished the correct from incorrect responses. These data may form the foundation for defining EEG frequency bands that are appropriate for use with infant research participants and for understanding the function of these frequencies during cognitive activity.