Hotson, Suzanne (1993) A longitudinal study of cortical EEG to olfactory stimulation : involving inter- and intra- subjective responses. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis forms the largest and most systematic study of the topographical EEG response to odour. The evolutionary history of the olfactory sense is briefly presented and its relevance to humans in the present day is considered. This thesis examines the information processing that occurs in this sensory system. The type of processing that the olfactory system utilises at each anatomical stage is discussed. The character of olfactory information that may reach neocortical levels in humans is considered in the light of the technology available to detect such information. The neurogenesis of the EEG is considered, together with questions concerning its postulated functional significance.

The empirical work carried out uses the most advanced methodology for this type of study. The large number of odourants and subjects, combined with the longitudinal element, make this the most ambitious study of this nature undertaken. The issues surrounding the analysis and interpretation of EEG data arc fully discussed and the impact of Chaos theory is considered. Five major analysis techniques were used on the data collected, but largely negative findings arc reported. The reasons for the failure of this experimental paradigm are discussed and improvements arc suggested for future work. The major contribution of this thesis lies in its exploration of the assumptions of the EEG response to odour. The thesis notes the lack of a conceptual framework that has hindered progress in the area of the "odour" EEG. Recent developments in neural network theory and Chaos theory are highlighted as possible alternative approaches to the modelling and understanding of the olfactory system.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology Q Science > QP Physiology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Electroencephalography, Smell -- Psychological aspects, Psychophysiology, Olfactory receptors
Official Date:	March 1993
Dates:	Date Event March 1993 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Van Toller, Steve
Sponsors:	Quest International
Extent:	ii, 218, 103 leaves
Language:	eng

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