The impact of binaural beats on user performance and emotions using a bci for robot control

Abstract

This research was prompted by claims that certain sounds or music could increase learning abilities and performance. Binaural beating takes place when separate frequencies are introduced into each ear. The brain then strives to bridge the gap by creating a third tone. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of binaural beats on participants’ performance, excitement, engagement, meditation, and frustration while manipulating a robot with a brain-computer interface. Fifty participants were exposed to Alpha, Beta, Delta and Theta binaural tones that changed their dominant brainwaves while they were engaged in the task. A control (no tones) was also established. A mixed methods research design was applied using physiological testing, questionnaires, interviews and observation. The results indicated that different sound frequencies did indeed affect user performance. Sessions where no frequencies were applied (control) were associated with more errors and longer time durations compared to all the other frequencies.