A comparison of two feedback encephalography training programs (with self-regulation strategies) was undertaken to determine if degree of relaxed-concentration achieved during feedback training is associated with consistently fast, but accurate, choice reaction times during performance of a Sustained Selective Attention Task (SSAT). A total of 21 males and 21 females (n = 7 of each sex per/group) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) feedback encephalography within 6 to 9.5 Hz with self-regulation strategies--"thinking in the void" and "visualization" (FETV); (2) feedback encephalography within 6 to 9.5 Hz with thinking in the void only (FET); and (3) control (C). Subjects in the experimental groups received one, 20 minute session on each of three consecutive days. Subjects in the C group met once and sat with eyes closed (sleep was not permitted). An ASI 120-A Feedback Encephalographic Analyzer with bi-polar electrodes attached to T(,3)-O(,1) of the 10/20 System provided feedback for training as well as monitoring of EEG measures. After the final training session, subjects performed the SSAT for 20 minutes. A Self-report Questionnaire (SRQ) was administered at the conclusion of the SSAT. / A series of 3 x 2 ANOVAS with EEG biofeedback training treatments as the first factor, and sex the second, was computed for mean dominant frequency (MDF), percent time spent in 6 to 9.5 Hz (PTA) during EEG biofeedback training: choice reaction times for various intervals and number of errors during SSAT performance; and selected SRQ items. The results indicated that during EEG biofeedback training, the FET group was able to produce significantly greater reductions in MDF and PTA than C group (F{2,36} = 5.694, p < .007; F {2,36} = 4.751, p < .015, respectively). Contrary to predictions, however, no significant differences were obtained between FETV and FET groups (p < .05). There was a significant sex effect for all choice reaction time intervals during SSAT performance. Subsequent Newman-Keuls Tests found that males had significantly faster choice reaction times than females (p < .05). Yet, in certain time periods a significant treatment by sex interaction was computed; i.e., in each instance of its occurrence the interaction always conformed to a specific pattern--for males, the FET group had the fastest choice reaction times followed in succession by the FETV and C groups whereas the converse was true for females. Plotting of the choice reaction time data showed that the FET males produced the fastest choice reaction time for all intervals than all groups as well as fewest number of errors with the exception of FET females. / Overall, the FET males demonstrated characteristics associated with high-efficiency performance such as: relaxed-concentration; less mind-wandering and drowsiness during the attention task; consistently fast, but accurate choice reaction times; the appropriate amount of arousal and attention relative to optimal performance; and capability to adapt to varying response conditions. Thus, it may be concluded that in male subjects, feedback encephalography training within 6 to 9.5 Hz concomitant with thinking in the void practice, elicits a relaxed-concentration effect that generalizes to performance on a sustained selective attention task. In addition, the results suggest that regular practice and experience in self-regulation programs such as FET training is desirable in order to produce high-efficient cortical processing and ego-tension loosening beneficial to optimal performance on SSAT type tasks. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, Section: B, page: 2590. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1981.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74571 |
| Contributors | MATTESON, J HAROLD, II., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 244 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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