Theta Oscillations in the Association Between Predictability, Familiarity and Musical Pleasure
The process of experiencing pleasure with music involves the orchestration of different brain networks, especially auditory perceptual and the reward network. It has been proposed that brain oscillations might be a suitable mechanism for the synchronization of distant brain regions. Previous studies have found that theta oscillatory connectivity between right temporal and frontal regions is increased when listening to pleasant music. However, the causal relationship between theta oscillatory activity and music reward has not been yet demonstrated. To test this, we designed an experiment to causally test this relationship by modulating the theta oscillatory activity in the auditory cortex using transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). Given previous results, we hypothesized that theta oscillatory activity forms part of a mechanism that generates information prediction errors and surprises in musical pieces. Thus, we predicted that theta tACS to the auditory cortex would modulate the theta connectivity resulting in a change in the relationship between complexity and liking. In the present talk I will present the design and discuss the preliminary results of the experiment.
ZOOM LINK: https://ub-edu.zoom.us/j/98863792970
Or in person attendance: Modular Building, room 1.5
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