Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.21.259341v1?rss=1 Authors: Huycke, P., Verbeke, P., Boehler, C. N., Verguts, T. Abstract: Theta and alpha frequency neural oscillations are important for learning and cognitive control, but their exact role has remained obscure. In particular, it is unknown whether they operate at similar timescales, and whether they support different cognitive processes. We recorded EEG in 30 healthy human participants while they performed a procedural learning task containing both (block-unique) novel and repeating stimuli. Learning occurred at two timescales (fast and slow). Behaviorally, both response time and accuracy improved (resp. decrease and increase) over both fast and slow timescales. However, on the spectral level, theta power significantly decreased along the slow timescale, whereas alpha power instead significantly increased along the fast timescale. We thus demonstrate that theta and alpha both play a role during learning, but operate at different timescales. This result poses important empirical constraints for theories on learning, cognitive control, and neural oscillations. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info