Electroencephalography (EEG)

Definition

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive technique used to record electrical activity of the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. This method provides insights into brain function and can reveal how cognitive processes are influenced by different factors, including cognitive biases. EEG has gained attention in recent years for its ability to capture real-time neural responses, which can be crucial in understanding decision-making processes affected by cognitive biases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EEG provides high temporal resolution, allowing researchers to track brain activity in milliseconds, which is critical for understanding fast cognitive processes.
2. EEG can identify different brainwave patterns associated with various mental states, such as attention, relaxation, and sleep, making it valuable in bias research.
3. This technique is often used in experimental settings to measure how individuals respond to cognitive tasks influenced by biases, such as confirmation bias or availability heuristic.
4. Recent studies using EEG have shown how cognitive biases can affect decision-making processes in real-time, highlighting the brain's electrical activity during these moments.
5. Advancements in EEG technology, such as wireless and portable systems, are expanding its use in diverse fields including psychology, neuroscience, and even marketing research.

Review Questions

• How does EEG technology help researchers understand the impact of cognitive biases on decision-making?
  • EEG technology aids researchers by providing real-time data on brain activity while individuals engage in decision-making tasks. This allows for the observation of how specific cognitive biases manifest in electrical patterns in the brain. By examining these patterns, researchers can draw connections between neural responses and the influence of biases on choices made during various scenarios.
• Discuss how EEG can differentiate between various mental states and its relevance to studying cognitive biases.
  • EEG can detect distinct brainwave patterns that correspond to different mental states like focus or distraction. Understanding these variations is crucial when studying cognitive biases, as biases often affect how individuals perceive information based on their mental state. By analyzing these patterns through EEG, researchers can investigate how cognitive biases may enhance or diminish decision-making capabilities depending on the individual's current mental state.
• Evaluate the implications of EEG advancements for future research on cognitive biases in business contexts.
  • The advancements in EEG technology, such as portable systems and improved data analysis methods, open new avenues for research into cognitive biases within business contexts. These developments allow for more extensive field studies that capture genuine decision-making scenarios outside of controlled environments. This could lead to more applicable insights into how biases influence consumer behavior or team dynamics in real time, ultimately aiding businesses in developing strategies to mitigate bias effects and enhance decision quality.

Related terms

Neuroimaging: Techniques used to visualize the structure and function of the brain, including fMRI and PET scans.

Cognitive Neuroscience: The field that studies the relationship between brain function and cognitive processes, combining psychology and neuroscience.

Event-Related Potentials (ERPs): Brain responses that are the direct result of a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event, measured using EEG.