Decoding the processing stages of mental arithmetic with magnetoencephalography.

ABSTRACT: Elementary arithmetic is highly prevalent in our daily lives. However, despite decades of research, we are only beginning to understand how the brain solves simple calculations. Here, we applied machine learning techniques to magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals in an effort to decompose the successive processing stages and mental transformations underlying elementary arithmetic. Adults subjects verified single-digit addition and subtraction problems such as 3 + 2 = 9 in which each successive symbol was presented sequentially. MEG signals revealed a cascade of partially overlapping brain states. While the first operand could be transiently decoded above chance level, primarily based on its visual properties, the decoding of the second operand was more accurate and lasted longer. Representa

SUBMITTER: Pinheiro-Chagas P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6542658 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature