意識的議題古老而難解，但是近年來認知神經科學領域對此議題的探討已經熱烈展開，本研究之主要目的即在探索視覺意識與大腦功能性連結之間的關係。
根據一項人臉知覺的實驗結果，本研究依照線性對非線性、局部對整體等兩項條件所構成的四個取向，分別擬定用以反映視覺意識的腦電波指標。結果發現，線性的局部指標—即γ波的強度，以及線性的整體指標—即γ波的相位耦合程度，兩者皆無法有效反映視覺意識。然而，非線性的局部指標—即吸子的相關維度，在特定通道上可以反映視覺意識；至於非線性的整體指標—即廣義的同步化程度，乃為四者中最能穩定反映視覺意識的指標。
除了得到上述若干可以有效反映視覺意識的腦電波指標之外，本研究實質上整合了認知神經科學、非線性動力系統理論、小波轉換理論以及小世界理論等當代思維，因此文中亦做出大量而深入的理論探討，並且提出對現有相關研究在邏輯或方法上的改進與澄清。

Consciousness is an ancient and puzzling mystery. Until recently, scientists have made little significant progress on it. This study is aimed to search for the neural correlates of visual awareness.

Based on empirical data from an experiment of face perception, this study explores linear vs. nonlinear and local vs. global human EEG indexes of visual awareness. The results indicate that neither linear local index, i.e. γ-band power, nor linear global index, i.e. γ-band phase coherence, can reveal the participant’s state of awareness validly. However, nonlinear local index, i.e. correlation dimension of attractor, can be a valid index of visual awareness, but only on specific channels. Last but not least, nonlinear global index, i.e. generalized synchrony, can be the most valid and efficient index of visual awareness.

In addition to the empirical findings listed above, this study, an interdisciplinary combination of cognitive neuroscience, chaos theory, wavelet transform and small-world theory, also presents numerous theoretical discussions and modifications to other related studies logically or methodologically.

李宏偉(民96 a)。非線性動力系統理論與心理學(一)：概念與邏輯。玄奘社會科學學報，出版中。
李宏偉(民96 b)。非線性動力系統理論與心理學(二)：分析與驗證。玄奘社會科學學報，出版中。
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