Lab 1: EEG and Psychophysiology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary objectives of the EEG portion of the PowerLab 1 exercise?

To test the effects of distraction using the Wii.

To recognize EEG artifacts and examine alpha and beta rhythms. (correct)

To analyze muscle activity using EMG.

To measure skin conductance and respiration.

EEGs primarily record action potentials propagated along nerve axons.

False (B)

What structure is often the source of the rhythmic events reflected by EEG waves?

thalamus

Large amplitude EEG waves require the _________ activity of a large number of neurons.

synchronous Signup and view all the answers

Match the following experimental activities to their primary measurement:

Mental Arithmetic = EEG activity Auditory Stimuli = EEG activity Skin Conductance = GSR amplifier Facial Muscle Activity = EMG Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT directly measured in the psychophysiology portion of the PowerLab 1?

Brain temperature (D) Signup and view all the answers

The PowerLab 1 exercise requires all participants to wear open-toed shoes.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides the brain what other signals are recorded during the Psychophysiology portion of the lab?

skin conductance, respiration, EMG Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of EEG signals?

Slow changes in the membrane potentials of cortical neurons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical frequency range of alpha waves?

8 to 13 Hz (C) Signup and view all the answers

Beta waves are typically associated with a calm, relaxed state of wakefulness.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of the brain waves recorded by an EEG?

Synaptic activity at the surface of the cortex (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a more active brain on the frequency and amplitude of EEG waves?

The more active the brain, the higher the frequency and lower the amplitude of the EEG. Signup and view all the answers

EEG signals are not affected by the state of arousal of the cerebral cortex.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Alpha waves are strongest over the occipital and __________ cortex.

frontal Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit used to express the frequency of brain waves?

hertz Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ground electrode?

Reduce electrical interference (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brain wave types with their associated states.

Alpha waves = Calm, relaxed wakefulness Beta waves = Alert and active brain Gamma waves = Integrating different aspects of an object Signup and view all the answers

The amplitude of brain waves reflects the synchronous activity of individual ________.

neurons Signup and view all the answers

Alpha waves are enhanced when the eyes are open.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to their descriptions:

Frequency = The number of peaks in a brain wave per second Amplitude = The highness of wave peaks and the lowness of troughs Hertz (Hz) = Unit of measurement for wave frequency EEG = Recording of brain electrical activity Signup and view all the answers

Why are EEG signals typically small in amplitude?

Because the recording electrodes are separated from the brain's surface by the scalp, skull, and cerebrospinal fluid. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Brain waves are constant and do not change in different stages of sleep.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides diagnosing epilepsy, for what other diagnostic purpose is EEG used?

brain death Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lab 1: PowerLab 1 - Electroencephalography (EEG), Psychophysiology & Wii Lab

Objectives:
- Recognize common EEG artifacts
- Elicit alpha waves in an EEG recording
- Observe mental activity effects on EEG
- Examine auditory stimulation effects on EEG
- Measure skin conductance, facial EMG, respiration, and EMG in response to visual stimuli
- Test distraction effects using Wii Lab
EEG Artifacts:
- Common artifacts are recognized during an EEG recording.
Alpha and Beta Rhythms:
- Methods for eliciting alpha waves are learned.
Effects of Mental Activity:
- Simple arithmetic tasks illustrate EEG activity changes.
Effects of Auditory Stimulation:
- The effects of different music volumes and types on EEG are examined.
Psychophysiology:
- GSR amplifier measures skin conductance.
- Facial EMG is measured using surface electrodes.
- Measurements of skin conductance, respiration, and EMG in response to visual stimuli are taken.
Wii Lab:
- Effects of distraction are tested.
Equipment/Procedure:
- PowerLab equipment is used
- Electrodes are placed on the scalp, forehead, and mastoid process.
- EEG activity is recorded and analyzed
- Different frequency ranges of brain activity are measured
- Data analysis is conducted using LabTutor software.
Background:
- Normal brain function involves continuous electrical activity of neurons.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) records these aspects of activity.
- EEG is performed by placing electrodes on the scalp and connecting them to measure electrical potential differences between various cortical regions.
- Characteristic patterns of brain waves are generated by synaptic activity at the cortex surface, not from action potentials in white matter.
EEG Waveform Components:
- Each individual's EEG waveform is unique.
- Waves are represented as peaks and troughs; frequency (Hz) reflects the number of peaks per second.
- Amplitude depicts peak height/trough depth and reflects synchronous neuronal activity.
- Brain waves are normally complex, low-amplitude signals.
- High-amplitude signals can indicate synchronous activity during sleep stages
Categories of Brain Waves:
- Alpha waves (8-13 Hz): Associated with wakefulness with eyes closed, lower frequency and higher amplitude.
- Beta waves (14-30 Hz): Higher frequency, lower amplitude reflecting heightened mental activity.
- Theta waves (4-7 Hz): Typically found in children and some adults, lower frequency and higher amplitude when concentrating.
- Delta waves (4 Hz or less): Very low frequency, high amplitude associated with deep sleep/loss of consciousness
Consciousness:
- Consciousness involves conscious perception, voluntary movement, and higher mental processing.
- Clinical measurement uses a graded response scale from alertness to coma.
- Absence of spontaneous brainwave activity might indicate brain death
Sleep and Sleep-Wake Cycles:
- Sleep is a state of partial unconsciousness.
- Stages of sleep (NREM stages 1-4, REM sleep) are part of a cyclic process roughly every 90 minutes.
- Stages differ by EEG patterns; REM is associated with dreaming.
- Suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus regulates the circadian rhythm.
Memory:
- Procedural memory involves skills (e.g., playing piano).
- Motor memory involves muscle movements.
- Emotional memory involves emotional responses to events.
- Declarative memory encompasses facts, names, dates, etc, utilizing short and long-term memory.
- Factors like concentration, emotion, and repetition influence the level of memory formation and retention.
Distraction:
- Divided attention from a primary task to a distracting stimulus.
- Examples include external stimuli and internal distractions like thoughts.
Review Questions:
- Questions on EEG waveforms, artifacts, memory, and distraction effects.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential techniques and findings from Lab 1 on Electroencephalography (EEG) and psychophysiology. Students will explore EEG artifacts, the elicitation of alpha waves, and the influence of various stimuli on mental activity as recorded in EEG. Additionally, the lab examines physiological responses through skin conductance and facial EMG.