Neurophysiological avenues to better conceptualizing adaptive cognition

Abstract

We delve into the human brain’s remarkable capacity for adaptability and sustained cognitive functioning, phenomena traditionally encompassed as executive functions or cognitive control. The neural underpinnings that enable the seamless navigation between transient thoughts without detracting from overarching goals form the core of our article. We discuss the concept of “metacontrol,” which builds upon conventional cognitive control theories by proposing a dynamic balancing of processes depending on situational demands. We critically discuss the role of oscillatory processes in electrophysiological activity at different scales and the importance of desynchronization and partial phase synchronization in supporting adaptive behavior including neural noise accounts, transient dynamics, phase-based measures (coordination dynamics) and neural mass modelling. The cognitive processes focused and neurophysiological avenues outlined are integral to understanding diverse psychiatric disorders thereby contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of cognitive control and its neural bases in both health and disease.