Home-Based EEG Hyperscanning for Infant-Caregiver Social Interactions

Summary

This protocol describes how synchronized electroencephalography, electrocardiography, and behavioral recordings were captured from infant-caregiver dyads in a home setting.

Abstract

Prior hyperscanning studies that record the brain activities of caregivers and children concurrently have primarily been conducted within the confines of the laboratory, thus limiting the generalizability of results to real-life settings. Here, a comprehensive protocol for capturing synchronized electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and behavioral recordings from infant-caregiver dyads during various interactive tasks at home is proposed. This protocol demonstrates how to synchronize the different data streams and report EEG data retention rates and quality checks. Additionally, critical issues and possible solutions with respect to the experimental setup, tasks, and data collection in home settings are discussed. The protocol is not limited to infant-caregiver dyads but can be applied to various dyadic constellations. Overall, we demonstrate the flexibility of EEG hyperscanning setups, which allow experiments to be conducted outside of the laboratory to capture participants' brain activities in more ecologically valid environmental settings. Yet, movement and other types of artifacts still constrain the experimental tasks that can be performed in the home setting.

Introduction

With the simultaneous recording of brain activities from two or more interacting subjects, also known as hyperscanning, it has become possible to elucidate the neural basis of social interactions in their complex, bidirectional, and fast-paced dynamics¹. This technique has shifted the focus from studying individuals in isolated, tightly controlled settings to examining more naturalistic interactions, such as parent-child interactions during free play^2,3, puzzle-solving⁴, and cooperative computer games^5,6.....

Protocol

The protocol described has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Informed consent was obtained from all adult participants and from parents on behalf of their infants.

1. Considerations of equipment and space at home sessions

1. Prepare for differing humidity and temperature conditions depending on country and season. For environments with high temperature and humidity levels, ensure that there is ade.......

Discussion

In this protocol, we conduct measurements in the participants' homes where infants and caregivers may feel more comfortable and their behaviors may be more representative of their real-life interactions as opposed to a laboratory setting, thus, increasing ecological validity⁷. Further, recordings in the home environment may ease the burden on the participants, e.g., with respect to travel times, and may thus make certain participant groups more accessible. However, along with these advant.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
10 cc Luer Lock Tip syringe without Needle	Terumo Corporation
actiCAP slim 8-channel electrode set (LiveAMP8)	Brain Products GmbH
Arduino Software (IDE)	Arduino	Arduino IDE 1.8.19	The software used to write the code for the Arduino microcontroller. Alternate programming software may be used to accompany the chosen microcontroller unit.
Arduino Uno board	Arduino		Used for building the circuit of the trigger box. Alternate microcontroller boards may be used.
BNC connectors			BNC connectors to connect the various parts of the trigger box setup.
BNC Push button	Brain Products GmbH	BP-345-9000	BNC trigger push button to send triggers.
BNC to 2.5 mm jack trigger cable (80 cm)	Brain Products GmbH	BP-245-1200	BNC cables connecting the 2 LiveAmps to the trigger box.
BrainVision Analyzer Version 2.2.0.7383	Brain Products GmbH		EEG analysis software.
BrainVision Recorder License with dongle	Brain Products GmbH	S-BP-170-3000
BrainVision Recorder Version 1.23.0003	Brain Products GmbH		EEG recording software.
Custom 8Ch LiveAmp Cap passive (infant EEG caps)	Brain Products GmbH	LC-X6-SAHS-44, LC-X6-SAHS-46, LC-X6-SAHS-48	For infant head sizes 44, 46, 48 . Alternate EEG caps may be used.
Dell Latitude 3520 Laptops	Dell		Two laptops, one for adult EEG recording and one for infant EEG recording. Alternate computers may be used.
Dental Irrigation Syringes
LiveAmp 8-CH wireless amplifier	BrainProducts GmbH	BP-200-3020	Two LiveAmps, one for adult EEG and one for infant EEG. Alternate amplifier may be used.
Manfrotto MT190X3 Tripod with 128RC Micro Fluid Video Head	Manfrotto	MT190X3	Alternate tripods may be used.
Matlab Software	The MathWorks, Inc.	R2023a	Alternate analysis and presentation software may be used.
Power bank (10000 mAh)	Philips	DLP6715NB/69	Alternate power banks may be used.
Raw EEG caps	EASYCAP GmbH		For Adult head sizes 52, 54, 56, 58. Alternate EEG caps may be used.
Rode Wireless Go II Single Set	Røde Microphones		Alternate microphones may be used.
Sony FDR-AX700 Camcorder	Sony	FDR-AX700	Alternate camcorders or webcams may be used.
SuperVisc High-Viscosity Gel	EASYCAP GmbH	NS-7907