Quantifying Attention and Reaction Times Using Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyogram (EMG) Signals
Session Number
3
Advisor(s)
Dr. Ashwin Mohan, SYNAPSE Lab, IMSA
Location
A150
Discipline
Medical and Health Sciences
Start Date
15-4-2026 2:15 PM
End Date
15-4-2026 3:00 PM
Abstract
The goal of this study is to quantify focused and distracted states in our brain by measuring reaction times. Current studies demonstrate the challenges in retaining attention in a task based environment. For example, access to smartphones in the vicinity reduces performance due to memory and attention overloads.Media houses continue to be interested in understanding viewer attention. Previous studies have focused on invasive methods to investigate focused and mind wandering states. In contrast this study uses a non-invasive approach using EEG and EMG in addition to self reporting to examine attention and reaction times. The experimental design required participants to focus on specific visual markers while contrasting with attention when they performed the same activity with a fast paced silent video in the background. Simultaneously, EMG data recorded reaction to specific queues. These studies continue to remain relevant in a time where demands on attention are high.
Quantifying Attention and Reaction Times Using Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyogram (EMG) Signals
A150
The goal of this study is to quantify focused and distracted states in our brain by measuring reaction times. Current studies demonstrate the challenges in retaining attention in a task based environment. For example, access to smartphones in the vicinity reduces performance due to memory and attention overloads.Media houses continue to be interested in understanding viewer attention. Previous studies have focused on invasive methods to investigate focused and mind wandering states. In contrast this study uses a non-invasive approach using EEG and EMG in addition to self reporting to examine attention and reaction times. The experimental design required participants to focus on specific visual markers while contrasting with attention when they performed the same activity with a fast paced silent video in the background. Simultaneously, EMG data recorded reaction to specific queues. These studies continue to remain relevant in a time where demands on attention are high.