The not so resting mind: Investigating Neural Activity associated with daydreaming using EEG

Moody, Richard (2015) The not so resting mind: Investigating Neural Activity associated with daydreaming using EEG. Masters thesis, University of Gloucestershire.

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Abstract

A recurring question since the times of classical psychology is concerned with how the human brain gives rise to a variety of experiences despite the lacking of sensory arousal (Antrobus, Singer & Greenberg, 1966). The current study sought to ascertain whether distinct brain activity could be observed across three different visual tasks (Visual, Day-dreaming & N-Back). Areas of interest included both a priori Brodmann areas (in light of previous literature) and post-hoc Brodmann areas – which primarily concern what this investigation found and how it fares with previous academic insight. Using source localization analysis via electroencephalography (EEG), distinct patterns of brain activity were observed across the three tasks. However, the major differences found were shown to be largely dependent on the cognitive-demand of the task – with the N-Back phase eliciting significantly more activity across the majority of Brodmann areas compared to the visual and day-dreaming tasks which, at points, demonstrated very similar patterns of brain activity. These results offer strength to some academic proposals as well as further questioning for others. Finally, these results are weighed in light of what contemporary academia currently proposes and may provide sound reasoning for more integrative measures to reliably assess instances of day-dreaming in a psychological setting.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Thesis Advisors:
Thesis AdvisorEmailURL
Catherwood, Diannedcatherwood@glos.ac.ukhttps://www.glos.ac.uk/staff/profile/dianne-catherwood/
Edgar, Grahamgedgar@glos.ac.ukhttps://www.glos.ac.uk/staff/profile/graham-edgar/
Uncontrolled Keywords: Neural activity; Day-dreaming; Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Depositing User: Susan Turner
Date Deposited: 07 Aug 2018 10:16
Last Modified: 31 Aug 2023 09:05
URI: https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/5825

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