Distinguishing Observed Inattentive Behaviors in the College Classroom as they Correlate to Brain Wave Activity Utilizing a Wireless Electroencephalograph

A significant amount of research has been devoted to the behavioral correlates of inattention in children (A.P.A., 2000; Arnold, 2000; Gordon & Barkley, 1998). It is proposed by the authors that college students, in their several years of experience, are much more capable of masking these trademark behaviors. When a child loses interest they will begin to openly look around the room, shift in their seat, or chat with their neighbors (Sandberg, Rutter & Taylor, 1978; Arnold, 2000). College students however, are proposed to candidly fidget, shift in their seat, or even maintain eye contact with their instructor while “daydreaming”. Therefore, an additional physiological aid is required to better assess inattentive periods in college subjects. Given the invasive nature of past devices commonly used, such as the Electroencephalograph (EEG), accurate measurement proves to be very difficult in a natural setting (Boyd & Campbell, 1998). This study used a modified version of an EEG called the Attention Trainer (AT). The AT is smaller in size, and wireless thus alleviating distraction and allowing more reliable field assessment. The study found positive correlations (Table 1) between suggested and previously validated behaviors. Contrary to prior research, significant correlations were found between all four frequency bands (Beta, Theta, Delta, and SMR), suggesting the device may be inaccurate (Figure 1). While results can neither confirm nor discredit biofeedback applications for the AT, further research is needed for validation.