Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
open access
2024-08-31T00:00:00Z
Prior studies have shown ambiguous results concerning the question if and how cognitive performance and neurophysiological markers change under the influence of weightlessness. Additional research...Show morePrior studies have shown ambiguous results concerning the question if and how cognitive performance and neurophysiological markers change under the influence of weightlessness. Additional research is necessary to confirm effects and shed light on experimental and interindividual differences and those related to various mechanisms underlying cognitive processes. This study aimed to assess the influence of microgravity on the neurocognitive marker P3 during parabolic flight. METHODS: Participants were trained to perform a brain-computer interface (BCI) task, which included a visual oddball paradigm task. Nine participants performed this task during parabolic flight. Statistic analyses assessed the amplitude and latency of the P3 event-related potential (ERP). RESULTS: Results revealed no significant differences for P3 Amplitude nor Latency in the 0G condition versus the 1G condition. The amplitude for oddball stimuli was significantly higher than the amplitude for standard stimuli in both 1G and 0G. CONCLUSION: There needs to be greater consensus and understanding concerning the effects of microgravity on cognitive performance and ERPs. The data presented here does not verify that short bouts of microgravity could enhance nor diminish neuro-behavioral performance. It does confirm that the visual-based oddball paradigm is feasible in microgravity conditions.Show less
The focus of the current study was on brain activities of young children during social judgment processing. We examined, using electro-encephalogram (EEG), amplitude differences of the P3...Show moreThe focus of the current study was on brain activities of young children during social judgment processing. We examined, using electro-encephalogram (EEG), amplitude differences of the P3 components between positive, negative and neutral social judgments in children between the age of four and six. In addition, the relation between individual differences in empathy and the difference score of the P3 amplitude between social acceptance and social rejection was studied. Before the start of the experiment, participants received a self-chosen stuffed animal. During EEG data acquisition participants were presented with same-aged peer judgments referring to their stuffed-animal. Empathy of the participants was measured by using the My Child Questionnaire and by performing the Sally-Anne task. Results showed a clear P3 amplitude between 500 and 800 milliseconds after stimulus onset. However, contrary to what was expected, no significant differences between positive, negative and neutral social judgment processing were found. Furthermore, empathy was not found to be related to P3 amplitude differences between social acceptance and social rejection. Although no statistical results were found, current research provides new hypothesis for further research that refers to social feedback processing in children between four and six years old.Show less
