The overall goal of this procedure is to compare the neural efficiencies of participants completing problem sets requiring spacial ability. This method can answer key questions in the field of Engineering education, such as, can students gain expertise in core content in one semester? Or, how do neurological measurements differentiate when students are solving a problem using spacial ability, or when they're solving and Engineering problem.
The main advantage of this technique is that it provides insight into the efficiencies of the brain. And we can align that information with student performance. Though this method offers insight into spacial ability and statics problems, it can also be applied into other skill measurements and problem types, such as those found in advanced dynamics.
Demonstrating their procedure will be Bradley Robinson, and Undergraduate researcher in the laboratory. Steven Wood, and Undergraduate researcher on our team will be receiving the protocol that we are demonstrating today. Begin by setting up the electroencephalography or EEG headsets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep at least two head sets charging at all times for at least an hour prior to each session. Acquire the liquid for dampening the EEG electrodes and an abrasive cleaner for insuring good contact with the EEG reference electrodes. Next, insert the felts into each casing and use a syringe to saturate them with the dampening liquid.
Allow the damped electrodes to rest. Set up two video cameras to measure the participants behavior. We adjust the cameras once the participant is in place and ensure that the video is time stamped.
Finally, turn on the computer and verify that the software is on to record brain wave data. Verify that all software and data collection devices are interfacing properly for data collection. Upon arrival, escort the participant into the EEG room.
Ask the participant to remove any electronics from their person. Demonstrate the syringe use to saturate the nodes and explain that they will only be used to keep the EEG felt stamp. Check the felts for dampness, and place the felt in casing combinations into the EEG headset.
Then, clean the reference points on the participant with the abrasive cleaner, and wipe away any residue. Place the EEG headset on the participant. Align the reference nodes on the headset with the reference points on the participants head.
Do no accessibly bend the arms of the headset, and leave a gap between the reference node and the back of the ear to avoid any discomfort. Finally, readjust the cameras once the participant is in place and ensure the video is time stamped. Focus one camera on the participants face in order to record facial expressions and high quality audio.
Focus the other camera on the area in front of the participant in order to capture hand movements, including hand-writing actions, as well as to see which task is on the computer screen. Start logging data within the EEG logging software. Ensure that good connectivity exists between the logging device and the EEG headset by checking that all of the channels are displayed on the logging device.
Check that all channels initially display similar behavior with low amplitude oscillations. Then, immediately preceding the rest periods and before the start of each new problem type, check the EEG to ensure good connectivity with the participant by rewiring and adjusting the felts in order to achieve consistent patterns on the logging device. Instruct the participant to remain as still and quiet as possible during the task exercises.
Inform them that during data collection all pre planned visual communication will occur via the computer monitor. Initiate the task presentation software. Assign rest periods at the beginning and the end of data collection, which will be used for obtaining baseline data.
Display the first spacial problem type, which is either a multiple choice test, or a true/false rotation problem. Following that, display the second spacial problem type, either a multiple choice test, or a true/false mental cutting problem. Next, display the Engineering problem type, focused on specific principles of Engineering statics.
Once the tasks are complete, remove the EEG headset. Additionally, turn off the task presentation software, the EEG logging software, and the video recording equipment. Finally, thank the participant, and provide them an overview of any future contact, and how results of the study may be made available to them in the future.
The EEG cap collects brain activation via electrical potentials in which certain artifacts within the data, as well as multiple events, need to be manually removed, as shown here. Following and independent component analysis, the software can map the data to a scalp representation of activation, and as a two D continuous plot of activation, arranged by Trials and Time. Once mastered, this technique can be performed in 45 minutes to an hour.
Understanding that it depends on the participants problem-solving speed. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to check that the EG has good connectivity with the participants head, typically by keeping the felt stamp. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to collect EEG data for neural efficiency studies, by setting up the EEG device, and collecting data from participants.
