On the structure of EEG development.

Two different descriptions of EEG maturation are compared: a broad-band spectral parameters (BBSPs) model and a recently developed xi-alpha (xi alpha) model. 'Developmental equations' were obtained for both parameter sets using 1 min, eyes closed EEG sample from 165 normal children (5-12 years old). At each age, the xi alpha parameter set described the average spectrum more closely than the BBSP developmental equations. Furthermore, a more detailed picture of changes of spectral shape with age is possible with the xi alpha model. A computer simulation illustrates the possible appearance of fixed frequency bands as a byproduct of inadequate statistical models.