If a person is distracted, experiencing comprehension difficulties or daydreaming, the EEG activity would likely reflect a high theta to
beta wave ratio (also called Theta power/Beta power or busy brain ratio).
In addition, absolute mid
beta waves increased in the same regions (left frontal and right parietal) and these changes might be enhancing the alertness state.
Stroop
Beta Waves: Initial
beta waves recorded during Stroop testing ranged from 11.70 to 80.58 mV with an average of 27.84 +/- 2.92 mV.
For instance, the presence of
beta waves correlates with excitement, focus and stress.
But it is fine when trying to detect the activity, called
beta waves, that indicates attention.
Beta waves (13-18 Hz) are needed to solve a problem or complete a task.
The current increased the activity of normal
beta waves -- a kind of brain wave that is usually active during sustained muscle activities, such as holding a book.
The EEG studies showed an increase in
beta waves and a decrease in spike wave discharges.
These include gamma, theta, alpha and
beta waves. Gamma waves are present during sound sleep; theta waves indicate dozing or sleeping;
beta waves are present during an awake, excited state and alpha waves signify an awake, relaxed state.
By placing the electrodes of an electroencephalogram on the skull right above the cerebral cortex, one can record brain waves that reveal a range of levels of consciousness, from alertness (
beta waves) to NREM sleep (delta waves).