Neurofeedback training and cognitive performance: a pilot study using an integrated cognitive and phenomenological approach
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1
Birkbeck College, Department of Psychological Sciences, United Kingdom
We present a neurofeedback training study comparing Fz-theta with C4-SMR protocols, focusing on several methodological innovations for the field of neurofeedback research. First, we show how integrating a qualitative approach in a quantitative design affects choices regarding the quantitative component to prevent unwanted bias. Second, we show a simple approach of minimising artefactual low baseline low-frequency EEG scores. Third, we argue for the need of performance tasks that incrementally manipulate the demand characteristics. We used in order of difficulty, simple RT, choice RT, stroop, and combined stroop/stop-signal tasks. Whereas no differences were found for simple RT, choice RT, and stroop tasks, theta training decreased interference effects in stroop/stop-signal tasks (see figure 1). SMR training did not affect stroop interference effects. These results are consistent with the cognitive control literature in which the anterior cingulate cortex – the putative source of midfrontal theta – is critically involved in modulating executive control. The higher cognitive demand imposed by the additional stop-signal task set leads to higher proactive cognitive control, which is further strengthened by midfrontal theta training. Finally, we compare two methods of extracting phenomenological experiences on their ability to inform neurophenomenological research.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by a School research grant awarded to Davelaar and Eatough.
Keywords:
Neurofeedback,
EEG,
Theta Rhythm,
SMR,
Integrative methodology,
Stroop interference
Conference:
SAN2016 Meeting, Corfu, Greece, 6 Oct - 9 Oct, 2016.
Presentation Type:
Oral Presentation in SAN 2016 Conference
Topic:
Oral Presentations
Citation:
Davelaar
EJ,
Eatough
V,
Almasi
S,
Barnby
JM,
Hickson
E,
Kevat
N and
Ramtale
C
(2016). Neurofeedback training and cognitive performance: a pilot study using an integrated cognitive and phenomenological approach.
Conference Abstract:
SAN2016 Meeting.
doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2016.220.00033
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Received:
29 Jul 2016;
Published Online:
30 Jul 2016.
*
Correspondence:
Dr. Eddy J Davelaar, Birkbeck College, Department of Psychological Sciences, London, WC1E7HX, United Kingdom, frontierscognitivescience.sce@gmail.com