Date of Award
Spring 5-23-2022
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Neuroscience
First Advisor
Douglas Peterson
Second Advisor
Jacob Kerby
Third Advisor
JongSung Yoon
Keywords
EEG, neurofeedback, alpha neurofeedback, neuroscience, working memory, plasticity, n-back, PEBL, NFT
Subject Categories
Cognitive Neuroscience | Cognitive Psychology | Cognitive Science | Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Psychology
Abstract
Neurofeedback training has been a recent field of study in neuroscience, as a potential way to increase focus, and possibly boost cognitive performance. Most studies utilize a course of neurofeedback training sessions to find positive results in decreasing ADHD symptoms, depression symptoms, as well as further cognitive changes. In this study, we aim to determine the efficacy of a single session of neurofeedback training in increasing cognitive performance. To do so, we randomly separated 42 volunteers into either a control or experimental group. The experimental group participated in an n-back task both before and after an alpha neurofeedback training session, while the experimental group did a similar task, but utilized a sham neurofeedback training session rather than a real-time training session. Our results found minor differences in the performance of the two groups, with no significant differences. This suggests that while there is still potential that neurofeedback training can impact cognitive performance, and improve working memory, a single session may not be sufficient enough to provide any significant change.
Recommended Citation
Meyer, Hannah L. and Peterson, Douglas, "Cognitive Task Enhancement Through Alpha Neurofeedback" (2022). Honors Thesis. 275.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/275