Instructor Terry Wiseth

1
VIRTUAL LAB BRAIN WAVES

• Instructor Terry Wiseth

Start Lab
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• WHAT DO I NEED TO HAND IN FOR THIS LAB?
• Data Table for Brain Waves
• 2) Answers to Questions

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Click here to view a printable DATA TABLE for
Brain Waves
Click here to view a printable list of QUESTIONS
for Brain Waves
Click here to begin collecting data for this lab
Click here to view the INTRODUCTION
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blackboard
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The presence of electrical current in the brain
was discovered by an English physician, Richard
Caton, in 1875. It was not until 1924 that Hans
Berger, a German neurologist, used his ordinary
radio equipment to amplify the brain's electrical
activity so that he could record it on graph
paper. Berger noticed that rhythmic changes
(brain waves) varied with the individual's state
of consciousness. The various regions of the
brain do not emit the same brain wave frequency
simultaneously.
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An EEG electrode placed on the scalp would pick
up many waves with different characteristics.
This has presented a great deal of difficulty to
researchers trying to interpret the large amount
of data they receive from even one EEG recording.
Brain waves have been categorized into four basic
groups Alpha, Beta, Theta, and Delta waves.
Although none of these waves is ever emitted
alone, the state of consciousness of the
individual may make one frequency more
pronouncedthan the others.
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You may have seen doctors in hospitals or on
television taking EEG readings of the natural and
ongoing electrical activity of a person's brain.
This activity is produced by all of us all the
time and it varies according to what kind of
activity we are engaged in. It can be recorded by
sensors that are gently placed on the head. A
geodesic sensor net, which looks a bit like a
hairnet with lots of little sponges attached to
it can be used to acquire this electrical
activity. The net contains 64 sensors, which are
all sewn together.
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Brain waves are obtained from a special analysis
of EEG. These brain waves show us the brain's
response to a particular stimulus or external
event, such as a picture or sound. Brain activity
before, during, and after a stimulus presentation
is recorded. This allows us to observe where,
when, and how the brain responds to a given
stimulus.
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Any physiological investigation of the brain can
emphasize and expose only a very minute portion
of its activity. Higher brain functions, such as
consciousness and logical reasoning, are
extremely difficult to investigate.
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It is obviously much easier to do experiments on
the brains input-output functions, some of which
can be detected with appropriate recording
equipment. Still, the ability to record brain
activity does not necessarily guarantee an
understanding of the brain. Certain
characteristics of brain waves are known. They
have a frequency of 1 to 30 hertz (Hz) or cycles
per second, a dominant rhythm of 10 Hz and an
average amplitude (voltage) of 20 to 100
microvolts (uV).
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Frequency is the number of times a wave repeats
itself within a second. It can be compared to the
frequencies that you tune into on your radio. If
any of these frequencies are deficient,
excessive, or difficult to access, our mental
performance can suffer. Amplitude represents the
power of electrical impulses generated by brain.
A wave can be of high or low amplitude (voltage)
and high or lowfrequency (regularity).
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The first of the brain waves to be described by
scientists were the Alpha Waves (or alpha
rhythm). Alpha waves have an average frequency
range of 8 to 13 Hz and are produced when the
individual is in a relaxed state with the eyes
closed. Alpha block, suppression of the alpha
rhythm, occurs if the eyes are opened or if the
individual begins to concentrate on some mental
problem or visual stimulus. Under these
conditions, the waves decrease in amplitude but
increase in frequency. Under conditions of
fright or excitement, the frequency
increases still more.
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Beta Waves, closely related to alpha waves, are
faster, 14 to 30 Hz and have a lower amplitude.
They are typical of the attentive or alert
state. Very large (high-amplitude) waves with a
frequency of less than 4 Hz that are seen in deep
sleep are Delta Waves.
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Theta Waves are large, abnormally contoured waves
with a frequency of 4 to 7 Hz. Although theta
waves are normal in children, they represent
emotional problems or some sort of neural
imbalance in adults. Gamma Waves, are brain
waves larger than 30 Hz. These waves predominate
during periods of times we are thinking.
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Click here to learn more about Delta Waves
Click here to learn more about Theta Waves
Click here to learn more about Alpha Waves
Click here to learn more about Beta Waves
Click here to learn more about Gamma Waves
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In normal adults who are awake, the EEG shows
mostly Alpha waves and Beta waves. In abnormal
adults the EEG shows sudden bursts of electrical
activity (spikes) or sudden slowing of brain
waves. These abnormal discharges may be caused by
a brain tumor, infection, injury, stroke, or
epilepsy. When a person has epilepsy, the
location and exact pattern of the abnormal brain
waves may help determine what type of epilepsy or
seizures the person has. Keep in mind that in
many people with epilepsy, the EEG may appear
completely normal between seizures.
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A disorder affecting the entire brain, such as
drug intoxication, certain infections, or
metabolic disorders that upset the chemical
balance in the body, including the brain, may
produce abnormal brain waves. In these
abnormalities the EEG shows delta waves or an
excess of theta waves in adults who are awake.
These results may indicate brain injury.
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• If the EEG shows no electrical activity in the
  brain (a "flat" or "straight-line"). This
  indicates that brain function has stopped, which
  is usually caused by lack of oxygen or blood flow
  inside the brain. In some cases, severe
  drug-induced sedation can produce a flat EEG.
  This state also can be seen in status epilepticus
  after a significant amount of medication is given
  to control the seizure. A person who has a flat
  EEG for more than 6 hours is usually considered
  brain dead, unless heavily sedated with
  medications.

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Brain waves change with age, sensory stimuli,
brain pathology or disease. Glucose deprivation,
oxygen poisoning and sedatives all interfere with
the rhythmic activity of brain output by
disturbing the metabolism of the neurons.
Sleeping individuals and patients in a coma have
EEGs that are slower (or lower frequency) than
the alpha rhythm of normal adults. Fright,
epileptic seizures, and various types of drug
intoxication are associated with faster brain
activity. Impairment of brain function is
indicated by neuronal activity that is
either too fast or too slow.
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We are now ready to begin the lab. You will be
assigned a subject who will perform various
mental activities for you. You will be using a
device which will be able to record the brain
waves of your subject while they are performing
the mental tasks. You will need to record the
mental activities attempted and sketch and
identify the brain waves which are recorded. You
will alsoneed to answer questionson your data
collected.
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End Lab
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• WHAT DO I NEED TO HAND IN FOR THIS LAB?
• Data Table for Brain Waves
• 2) Answers to Questions

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Click here to view a printable DATA TABLE for
Brain Waves
Click here to view a printable list of QUESTIONS
for Brain Waves
Click here to begin collecting data for this lab
Click here to view the INTRODUCTION again
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End Lab
21
When your subject is seated and you have
instructed him to sit quietly and read, click on
NEXT
Click on your subject to seat your subject and
start the procedure
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Now click on the NEXT button at the bottom of the
page
Next connect the EEG sensor box to the data
acquisition unit. Click on the blue cord leading
from the EEG sensor
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Now click on the RED power button on the Data
Acquisition Unit to start
collecting data
Next click on the NEURAL HAT lying on the desk to
place on your subjects head
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Click on the green START RECORDING button and
collect data for 30 sec
When data has been collected for 30 seconds you
can click on the monitor to zoom in on the data
image
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Sketch the brain waves shown here in the data
table in the row provided for the appropriate
activity of your subject
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End Lab
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For the next part of the lab we will collect data
when our subject has their eyes closed and is
relaxed. Click on NEXT
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Instruct your subject to close their eyes and
relax. You can do this by clicking on the subject
Next click on the RED power button on the Data
Acquisition Unit
Now Click on NEXT at the bottom of the page
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Click on the green START RECORDING button and
collect data for 30 sec
When data has been collected for 30 seconds you
can click on the monitor to zoom in on the data
image
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Sketch the brain waves shown here in the data
table in the row provided for the appropriate
activity of your subject
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Click here to View the Data Table
End Lab
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For the next part of the lab we will collect data
when our subject is given a very complex problem.
Click on NEXT
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Recite this math problem to your subject. You can
do this by clicking on the subject
Next click on the RED power button on the Data
Acquisition Unit
Now Click on NEXT at the bottom of the page
5 6 X 45 35 22 X 31
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Click on the green START RECORDING button and
collect data for 30 sec
When data has been collected for 30 seconds you
can click on the monitor to zoom in on the data
image
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Sketch the brain waves shown here in the data
table in the row provided for the appropriate
activity of your subject
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Click here to View the Data Table
End Lab
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For the next part of the lab we will collect data
when our subject is given an emotionally
distressing note. Clickon NEXT
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BADNEWS
Give your subject a distressing note. You can do
this by clicking on the subject
Next click on the RED power button on the Data
Acquisition Unit
Now Click on NEXT at the bottom of the page
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Click on the green START RECORDING button and
collect data for 30 sec
When data has been collected for 30 seconds you
can click on the monitor to zoom in on the data
image
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BADNEWS
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Sketch the brain waves shown here in the data
table in the row provided for the appropriate
activity of your subject
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End Lab
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This is the end of the BRAIN WAVE LAB. Be sure
that you include in your lab report the following
listed items. 1) Brain Wave Data Table 2)
Answers to Questions
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Click here to view a printable DATA TABLE for
Brain Waves
Click here to view a printable list of QUESTIONS
for Brain Waves
If you are finished with this lab you can click
here to END the lab
Click here if you would like to review the
INTRODUCTION
Click here to start the DATA COLLECTION again
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END LAB
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BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE
Activity Sketch of Brain Waves Type ofBrain Wave
Eyes Closed Relaxed
Quiet Reading
Difficult Mental Activity
Emotionally Stressed
Click here to Return
Click for a printable DATA TABLE
41
BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE
Activity Sketch of Brain Waves Type ofBrain Wave
Eyes Closed Relaxed
Quiet Reading
Difficult Mental Activity
Emotionally Stressed
Click here to Return
Click for a printable DATA TABLE
42
BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE
Activity Sketch of Brain Waves Type ofBrain Wave
Eyes Closed Relaxed
Quiet Reading
Difficult Mental Activity
Emotionally Stressed
Click here to Return
Click for a printable DATA TABLE
43
BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE BRAIN WAVE DATA TABLE
Activity Sketch of Brain Waves Type ofBrain Wave
Eyes Closed Relaxed
Quiet Reading
Difficult Mental Activity
Emotionally Stressed
Click here to Return
Click for a printable DATA TABLE
44
QUESTIONS FOR BRAIN WAVE LAB
1) Describe the difference between amplitude and
frequency in regards to brain waves. 2) Describe
the brain waves of an individual who is brain
dead. 3) List the dominant brain wave we would
find in individuals performing the following
activities a) Sleeping b) Under Stress c)
Relaxing with eyes open d) Concentrating
Click here to Return
Click for a printable QUESTIONS list
45
INTRO WAVE INFO
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DELTA WAVES

• The lowest frequencies are DELTA
• These are less than 4 Hz
• Occur in deep sleep and in some abnormal
  processes
• Delta waves increase during sleep in the normal
  adult
• As people move from lighter to deeper stages of
  sleep, the occurrence of alpha waves diminishes
  and is gradually replaced by the lower frequency
  theta and then delta rhythms

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Delta Waves
Alpha Waves
Beta Waves
Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
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DELTA WAVES

• Delta waves may increase during difficult mental
  activities requiring concentration
• We increase Delta waves in order to decrease our
  awareness of the physical world
• We also access information in our unconscious
  mind through Delta
• Peak performers decrease Delta waves when high
  focus and peak performance are required

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Delta Waves
Alpha Waves
Beta Waves
Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
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DELTA WAVES

• However, most individuals diagnosed with
  Attention Deficit Disorder, naturally increase
  rather than decrease Delta activity when trying
  to focus
• The inappropriate Delta response often severely
  restricts the ability to focus and maintain
  attention
• It is as if the brain is locked into a perpetual
  drowsy state

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Delta Waves
Alpha Waves
Beta Waves
Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
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DELTA WAVES

• It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one
  year of age and it is present in stages 3 and 4
  of sleep
• Another way to look at Delta is to imagine you
  are driving in a car and you shift into 1st
  gear....you're not going to get anywhere very
  fast
• So Delta would represent 1st gear

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Delta Waves
Alpha Waves
Beta Waves
Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
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THETA WAVES

• As calmness and relaxation deepen into
  drowsiness, the brain shifts to slower, more
  powerfully rhythmic waves with a frequency of
  about 4 -7 Hz
• low-frequency EEG patterns that increase during
  sleep in the normal adult
• Theta has been associated with access to
  unconscious material, creative inspiration and
  deep meditation

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Gamma Waves
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THETA WAVES

• As people move from lighter to deeper stages of
  sleep (prior to REM sleep), the occurrence of
  alpha waves diminishes and is gradually replaced
  by the lower frequency theta and then delta
  rhythms
• theta waves will occur for brief intervals during
  emotional responses to frustrating events or
  situations

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THETA WAVES

• Everyone generates these theta waves at least
  twice per day in those fleeting instants when we
  drift from conscious drowsiness into sleep, and
  again when we rise from sleep to consciousness as
  we awaken
• The theta state is accompanied by unexpected,
  unpredictable, dreamlike but very vivid mental
  images
• Often these startlingly real images are
  accompanied by intense memories, particularly
  childhood memories

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THETA WAVES

• Theta offers access to unconscious material,
  reverie, free association, sudden insight,
  creative inspiration
• It is a mysterious, elusive state, potentially
  highly productive and enlightening, but
  experimenters have had a difficult time studying
  it, and it is hard to maintain, since people tend
  to fall asleep as soon as soon as they begin
  generating large amounts of theta

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THETA WAVES

• It is seen in connection with creativity,
  intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a
  repository for memories, emotions, sensations
• Theta waves are strong during internal focus,
  meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness
• It reflects the state between wakefulness and
  sleep

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THETA WAVES

• Theta appears as consciousness slips toward
  drowsiness
• It is abnormal in awake adults but is perfectly
  normal in children up to 13 years old
• It is also normal during sleep
• Back to our car example, Theta would be
  considered 2nd gear. Not as slow as 1st gear
  (Delta) but still not very fast

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Delta Waves
Alpha Waves
Beta Waves
Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
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ALPHA WAVES

• As the brain waves slow down they take on a more
  coherent rhythm, and can be seen on the EEG as a
  regular saw-tooth pattern at about 8 - 12 Hz
• Alpha is the most prominent rhythm in the whole
  realm of brain activity
• Alpha appears to bridge the conscious to the
  subconscious

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ALPHA WAVES

• Alpha is a common state for the brain and occurs
  whenever a person is alert but not actively
  processing information
• It is reduced or eliminated by opening the eyes,
  by hearing unfamiliar sounds, by anxiety or
  mental concentration
• These waves are often present when the brain is
  alert but unfocused, and most people generate
  alpha waves when their eyes are closed, even if
  only bursts of one or two seconds

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ALPHA WAVES

• Frequently, alpha waves are associated with
  feelings of relaxation and calmness
• A receptive mind
• Good healthy alpha production promotes mental
  resourcefulness, aids in the ability to mentally
  coordinate, enhances overall sense of relaxation
  and fatigue
• In this state you can move quickly and
  efficiently to accomplish whatever task is at hand

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ALPHA WAVES

• When Alpha predominates most people feel at ease
  and calm
• Alpha has been linked to extroversion (introverts
  show less), creativity (creative subjects show
  alpha when listening and coming to a solution for
  creative problems), and mental work
• When your alpha is with in normal ranges we tend
  to also experience good moods, see the world
  truthfully, and have a sense of calmness

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ALPHA WAVES

• Alpha is one of the brain's most important
  frequency to learn and use information taught in
  the classroom and on the job
• You can increase alpha by closing your eyes or
  deep breathing or decrease alpha by thinking or
  calculating
• alpha wave amplitudes are likely to be higher in
  "outgoing" subjects

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ALPHA WAVES

• Alpha rhythms are reported to be derived from the
  white matter of the brain
• The white matter can be considered the part of
  the brain that connects all parts with each other
• In our car scenario, Alpha would represent
  neutral or idle

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Delta Waves
Alpha Waves
Beta Waves
Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
62
BETA WAVES

• frequency is about 13-30 Hz
• it is in what is called its waking rhythm
• The brain is focusing on the world outside
  itself, or dealing with concrete, specific
  problems
• Beta activity is 'fast' activity
• It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and
  is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or
  anxious or who have their eyes open

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63
BETA WAVES

• It is the state that most of brain is in when we
  have our eyes open and are listening and thinking
  during analytical problem solving, judgment,
  decision making, processing information about the
  world around us
• Beta is the usual waking rhythm of the brain
  associated with active thinking, active
  attention, focus on the outside world or solving
  concrete problems

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64
BETA WAVES

• Beta rhythms occur in individuals who are alert
  and attentive to external stimuli or exert
  specific mental effort
• beta rhythms also occur during deep sleep

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65
BETA WAVES

• the beta wave represents arousal of the cortex to
  a higher state of alertness or tension
• It may also be associated with "remembering" or
  retrieving memories
• Beta would represent overdrive or hyper-drive in
  our car scenario

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Alpha Waves
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Theta Waves
Gamma Waves
66
GAMMA WAVES

• Gamma is measured between 36 44 (Hz)
• When the brain needs to simultaneously process
  information from different areas, its
  hypothesized that Gamma wave activity
  consolidates the required areas for simultaneous
  processing

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67
GAMMA WAVES

• A good memory is associated with well-regulated
  and efficient Gamma waves
• whereas Gamma wave deficiency creates learning
  disabilities
• Gamma waves predominate when we are thinking

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68
LAB WAVE INFO
69
DELTA WAVES

• The lowest frequencies are DELTA
• These are less than 4 Hz
• Occur in deep sleep and in some abnormal
  processes
• Delta waves increase during sleep in the normal
  adult
• As people move from lighter to deeper stages of
  sleep, the occurrence of alpha waves diminishes
  and is gradually replaced by the lower frequency
  theta and then delta rhythms

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70
DELTA WAVES

• Delta waves may increase during difficult mental
  activities requiring concentration
• We increase Delta waves in order to decrease our
  awareness of the physical world
• We also access information in our unconscious
  mind through Delta
• Peak performers decrease Delta waves when high
  focus and peak performance are required

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71
DELTA WAVES

• However, most individuals diagnosed with
  Attention Deficit Disorder, naturally increase
  rather than decrease Delta activity when trying
  to focus
• The inappropriate Delta response often severely
  restricts the ability to focus and maintain
  attention
• It is as if the brain is locked into a perpetual
  drowsy state

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72
DELTA WAVES

• It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one
  year of age and it is present in stages 3 and 4
  of sleep
• Another way to look at Delta is to imagine you
  are driving in a car and you shift into 1st
  gear....you're not going to get anywhere very
  fast
• So Delta would represent 1st gear

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73
THETA WAVES

• As calmness and relaxation deepen into
  drowsiness, the brain shifts to slower, more
  powerfully rhythmic waves with a frequency of
  about 4 -7 Hz
• low-frequency EEG patterns that increase during
  sleep in the normal adult
• Theta has been associated with access to
  unconscious material, creative inspiration and
  deep meditation

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74
THETA WAVES

• As people move from lighter to deeper stages of
  sleep (prior to REM sleep), the occurrence of
  alpha waves diminishes and is gradually replaced
  by the lower frequency theta and then delta
  rhythms
• theta waves will occur for brief intervals during
  emotional responses to frustrating events or
  situations

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75
THETA WAVES

• Everyone generates these theta waves at least
  twice per day in those fleeting instants when we
  drift from conscious drowsiness into sleep, and
  again when we rise from sleep to consciousness as
  we awaken
• The theta state is accompanied by unexpected,
  unpredictable, dreamlike but very vivid mental
  images
• Often these startlingly real images are
  accompanied by intense memories, particularly
  childhood memories

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76
THETA WAVES

• Theta offers access to unconscious material,
  reverie, free association, sudden insight,
  creative inspiration
• It is a mysterious, elusive state, potentially
  highly productive and enlightening, but
  experimenters have had a difficult time studying
  it, and it is hard to maintain, since people tend
  to fall asleep as soon as soon as they begin
  generating large amounts of theta

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77
THETA WAVES

• It is seen in connection with creativity,
  intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a
  repository for memories, emotions, sensations
• Theta waves are strong during internal focus,
  meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness
• It reflects the state between wakefulness and
  sleep

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78
THETA WAVES

• Theta appears as consciousness slips toward
  drowsiness
• It is abnormal in awake adults but is perfectly
  normal in children up to 13 years old
• It is also normal during sleep
• Back to our car example, Theta would be
  considered 2nd gear. Not as slow as 1st gear
  (Delta) but still not very fast

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79
ALPHA WAVES

• As the brain waves slow down they take on a more
  coherent rhythm, and can be seen on the EEG as a
  regular saw-tooth pattern at about 8 - 12 Hz
• Alpha is the most prominent rhythm in the whole
  realm of brain activity
• Alpha appears to bridge the conscious to the
  subconscious

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80
ALPHA WAVES

• Alpha is a common state for the brain and occurs
  whenever a person is alert but not actively
  processing information
• It is reduced or eliminated by opening the eyes,
  by hearing unfamiliar sounds, by anxiety or
  mental concentration
• These waves are often present when the brain is
  alert but unfocused, and most people generate
  alpha waves when their eyes are closed, even if
  only bursts of one or two seconds

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81
ALPHA WAVES

• Frequently, alpha waves are associated with
  feelings of relaxation and calmness
• A receptive mind
• Good healthy alpha production promotes mental
  resourcefulness, aids in the ability to mentally
  coordinate, enhances overall sense of relaxation
  and fatigue
• In this state you can move quickly and
  efficiently to accomplish whatever task is at hand

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82
ALPHA WAVES

• When Alpha predominates most people feel at ease
  and calm
• Alpha has been linked to extroversion (introverts
  show less), creativity (creative subjects show
  alpha when listening and coming to a solution for
  creative problems), and mental work
• When your alpha is within normal ranges we tend
  to also experience good moods, see the world
  truthfully, and have a sense of calmness

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83
ALPHA WAVES

• Alpha is one of the brain's most important
  frequency to learn and use information taught in
  the classroom and on the job
• You can increase alpha by closing your eyes or
  deep breathing or decrease alpha by thinking or
  calculating
• alpha wave amplitudes are likely to be higher in
  "outgoing" subjects

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84
ALPHA WAVES

• Alpha rhythms are reported to be derived from the
  white matter of the brain
• The white matter can be considered the part of
  the brain that connects all parts with each other
• In our car scenario, Alpha would represent
  neutral or idle

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85
BETA WAVES

• frequency is about 13-30 Hz
• it is in what is called its waking rhythm
• The brain is focusing on the world outside
  itself, or dealing with concrete, specific
  problems
• Beta activity is 'fast' activity
• It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and
  is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or
  anxious or who have their eyes open

Next Page
Return to Lab
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86
BETA WAVES

• It is the state that most of brain is in when we
  have our eyes open and are listening and thinking
  during analytical problem solving, judgment,
  decision making, processing information about the
  world around us
• Beta is the usual waking rhythm of the brain
  associated with active thinking, active
  attention, focus on the outside world or solving
  concrete problems

Next Page
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87
BETA WAVES

• Beta rhythms occur in individuals who are alert
  and attentive to external stimuli or exert
  specific mental effort
• beta rhythms also occur during deep sleep

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88
BETA WAVES

• the beta wave represents arousal of the cortex to
  a higher state of alertness or tension
• It may also be associated with "remembering" or
  retrieving memories
• Beta would represent overdrive or hyper-drive in
  our car scenario

Return to Lab
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