EEG power-spectral and coherence differences between attentional states during a complex auditory task

Abstract

This electroencephalographic (EEG) study was designed to explore the differences in power spectra and coherence associated with subjective levels of engrossment, or absorption, in an auditory task. Quantitative referential EEG activity was recorded using 19 electrodes while subjects (n = 17) listened to a story and indicated on a continuous basis, by means of a hand held switch, whether they were engrossed or non-engrossed in the story content. Results from power spectra data indicated significant differences between subjective engrossed and non-engrossed states (particularly in the theta and betal bands) with increased mean power during engrossed states. Differences in coherence were not shown to be significantly different. The results suggest that engrossed and non-engrossed states have different EEG correlates for power measures during specific complex tasks. © 1998, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.