Human computer interaction meets psychophysiology: A critical perspective

Abstract

Human computer interaction (HCI) groups are more and more often exploring the utility of new, lower cost electroencephalog- raphy (EEG) interfaces for assessing user engagement and experience as well as for directly controlling computers. While the potential ben- efits of using EEG are considerable, we argue that research is easily driven by what we term na¨ıve neurorealism. That is, data obtained with psychophysiological devices have poor reliability and uncertain valid- ity, making inferences on mental states difficult. This means that unless sufficient care is taken to address the inherent shortcomings, the contri- butions of psychophysiological human computer interaction are limited to their novelty value rather than bringing scientific advance. Here, we outline the nature and severity of the reliability and validity problems and give practical suggestions for HCI researchers and reviewers on the way forward, and which obstacles to avoid. We hope that this critical perspective helps to promote good practice in the emerging field of psy- chophysiology in HCI.