1st Student's Major
Psychology
1st Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Students' Professional Biography
Christopher Aura is an undergraduate student at Minnesota State University expecting to graduate with a B.A. in psychology. He has been involved on the research team of Dr. Edison Perdomo for two years and assisted on several research projects. Interested in continuing on the research track, upon graduation he plans to pursue graduate studies in Biopsychology or Neuropsychology. Matthew Stanton is an undergraduate student currently enrolled in Minnesota State University. He has been actively involved on the research team of Dr. Edison Perdomo for three years. Upon graduation he plans to either enroll in medical school or a graduate program with an emphasis toward genetic or psychological research.
Mentor's Name
Edison Perdomo
Mentor's Department
Psychology
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
A significant amount of research has been devoted to the behavioral correlates of inattention in children (A.P.A., 2000; Arnold, 2000; Gordon & Barkley, 1998). It is proposed by the authors that college students, in their several years of experience, are much more capable of masking these trademark behaviors. When a child loses interest they will begin to openly look around the room, shift in their seat, or chat with their neighbors (Sandberg, Rutter & Taylor, 1978; Arnold, 2000). College students however, are proposed to candidly fidget, shift in their seat, or even maintain eye contact with their instructor while “daydreaming”. Therefore, an additional physiological aid is required to better assess inattentive periods in college subjects. Given the invasive nature of past devices commonly used, such as the Electroencephalograph (EEG), accurate measurement proves to be very difficult in a natural setting (Boyd & Campbell, 1998). This study used a modified version of an EEG called the Attention Trainer (AT). The AT is smaller in size, and wireless thus alleviating distraction and allowing more reliable field assessment. The study found positive correlations (Table 1) between suggested and previously validated behaviors. Contrary to prior research, significant correlations were found between all four frequency bands (Beta, Theta, Delta, and SMR), suggesting the device may be inaccurate (Figure 1). While results can neither confirm nor discredit biofeedback applications for the AT, further research is needed for validation.
Recommended Citation
Aura, Christopher J. and Stanton, Matthew R.
(2004)
"Distinguishing Observed Inattentive Behaviors in the College Classroom as they Correlate to Brain Wave Activity Utilizing a Wireless Electroencephalograph,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato: Vol. 4, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56816/2378-6949.1154
Available at:
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/jur/vol4/iss1/2
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