Recently in class, we have leaned about different methods to measure what the brain does. One of these methods is to use an Electroencephalogram, or EEG, machine. These machines give an amplified recording of the electrical waves sweeping across the brain’s surface, measured by electrodes placed on the scalp. The waves that are mostly monitored are Alpha waves and Beta waves. They are both defined by their frequency and amplitude. Alpha waves have a frequency that always ranges between eight and twelve Hz. These waves will lessen when a person is concentrating. The waves will be highest when someone is not putting forth much mental thought. They are produced in the occipital lobe of the brain, which is responsible for many aspects of vision. Beta waves have a frequency that is always between thirteen and thirty Hz. The waves will increase when someone is alert and thinking hard. They are produced in the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for reasoning, emotions, and problem solving.

I have recently conducted a lab on this exact concept. I had a partner that was hooked up to an EEG machine and I had to read the results of the waves that his brain was producing and interpret them. I told my partner to perform various simple tasks. We were able to see how these waves work for ourselves. As he closed his eyes, the alpha waves increased. This makes sense because they should increase with relaxation. When his eyes were open, the Beta waves increased. These waves indicate alertness so these results matched up with what we had been learning. I told my partner to spell a difficult word backwards in his head. As he was doing this, there were different results on the screen showing the waves. The amplitude of the Beta waves were increasing. This makes perfect sense since Beta waves are produced in the frontal lobe, which works with problem solving. The activity in this part of his brain was increasing. The EEG system really is a great way to see what different tasks affect the brain in certain areas. It was interesting to be able to experience this and see how the brain really works first hand.

Physiology Laboratory Manual. Waters, John. Hayden-McNeil Publishing. 2014.