This experiment has been included in the laboratory manual for iWorx psychophysiology kits for years and has been added to the most recent version of the iWorx Physiology Laboratory Manual.  The recording of the different types of electrical signals from the brain, an electroencephalogram (EEG), is now easier to analyze using the digital filters available on each recording or display channel in the latest version of the LabScribe software.  

In this experiment, the EEG signals from the subject’s left and right hemispheres are passed through digital filters to isolate the Alpha and Beta waves in the EEG recording.  These filters are activated from the right-click menu of each display channel; and, they make the measurements of the average frequencies and amplitudes of the Alpha and Beta waves in the EEG recording easier to accomplish.  As performed in previous versions of this experiment, students will: collect EEG signals from the left and right cerebral hemispheres of a subject; learn to recognize common EEG artifacts; learn to recognize and analyze Alpha and Beta EEG waves; observe Alpha block; test an experimental hypothesis about relative levels of EEG wave types in each hemisphere in two psychological states; and test an experimental hypothesis about personality and EEG.

One of the keys to recording good EEG signals is the type of electrodes used.  Electrodes that make the best contact with a subject’s scalp and contain materials that most readily conduct EEG signals provide the best EEG recordings. Here is a brief description of four types of EEG electrodes.

In addition to content and background for each exercise, each LabsOnCD module provides an experimental data player that allows the student to actually record real experimental data much as they would do in a physical or “wet” lab setting.  LabsOnCD modules contain detailed setup information about the labs that the student is expected to perform. Setup information includes animations, diagrams, video clips of dissections and photos of actual equipment set-ups. Each module has step-by-step instructions for the student, just as a lab manual would. The student is expected to make measurements from the recorded data and produce a lab report.

See more information and view an online demonstration.