Jan 16, 2014

The first two classes of Independent Study, I spent time learning brain waves and getting to know the brain set. What I have learned about the EEG brain waves is the following information:

The EEG brain set records 18 different brain waves, 9 from the left sphere and 9 from the right. The brain itself is divided into four lobes that each has a specific function. The frontal lobe that is located in the front is associated with planning, thinking and emotions. Parietal Lobe on the right side of the brain deals with movement, orientation and hearing. Temporal Lobe located on the opposite side is associated with memory, speech, hearing and perception. Lastly, the Occipital Lobe is associated with vision. The knowledge of the brain lobes will help me better understand which parts of the brain are more active during test taking, which can help me with the projects of figuring out what factors are responsible for higher brain activity.Furthermore, I took a look at the actual EEG brain waves that were recorded earlier. The brain pattern was the same as one illustrated in the book: the waves were of a higher frequency with a smaller amplitude when eyes of the person were open because brain activity was higher, on the other hand, when the eyes of that person were closed the waves were of higher amplitude but lower in frequency.

Alpha, Delta, Theta, Beta, Gamma and Mu

Delta EEG waves are usually up to 4Hz frequency and are mostly found in frontal area of brain in adults and in posteriorly in children. The adults who are in a phase of a deep sleep often have these waves. The waves can also be found in a “continuous attention tasks.” Theta waves have frequencies between 4 and 7 Hz and are waves that one can see when they are not performing a certain task. For example, if one is not using looking at anything, the EEG sensors that are responsible for occipital lobe will record theta waves. Alpha waves are of frequencies 7-14Hz and are associated with a relaxed state of mind. On the other hand Beta waves are of a higher frequency 15-30Hz and represent waves are normally associated with active concentration and busy thinking. Beta waves are found on both sides of the brain symmetrically and have a lower amplitude. Gamma waves have a 30-100+ Hz frequencies and show up whenever two senses are combined or a short term memory of recognizing objects is involved. Lastly, the Mu waves or mu rhythms are “synchronized patterns of electrical activity involving large numbers of neurons.” The Mu waves have a frequency between 8 and 13Hz and are mostly detected when a person is physically resting. The Mu waves are found in motor cortex in the area from one ear to the other.