Phase synchronization and coherence analysis: Sensitivity and specificity

In Nonlinear Dynamics synchronization of oscillators is examined. Alternatively for linear stochastic systems, coherence analysis is utilized to detect interdependencies in transfer function systems. In contrast to the latter, oscillators continue oscillating in the absence of interaction between the processes. For transfer function systems the output ceases to exist without an input. Analysis techniques able to differentiate these considerably different classes of dynamics are desired in various applications. We show that conclusions from analysis techniques to the underlying dynamics have to be taken with care due to missing specificity. Moreover, we present an approach towards higher specificity.