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Partial Differential Psychophysiological Surfaces:
A Method for Mapping and Altering Human Mind States
James V. Hardt, Ph.D.
Abstract
The recent availability of sophisticated
computerized EEG analysis equipment, has popularized "brain mapping",
bringing many varieties of colorful types of displays, each one
capable [with varying degrees of resolution] of imaging happy brains,
depressed brains, active brains, resting brains, etc. In spite of
their many variations, all of these "brain mapping" techniques are
alike in that they are purely descriptive and do not have a predictive
or prescriptive capability. The current mapping techniques can
describe a happy brain or a depressed brain, but they can not predict
or prescribe what brain parameters to change, or what sequence of
changes to make, or in what direction to make the changes in order for
the person to change from a feeling of depressed to happy, or from
sleepy to vigor, or from confused to clear thinking. As a consequence,
much EEG feedback is misguided, or worse, unguided.
This deficiency is remedied with a new Brain
Activity Mapping And Training (BAMAT) method. Twenty one different
psychological mood states were assessed with published mood scales
(MAACL, Clyde, POMS) before, during, and after each of the 7
consecutive days of the Biocybernaut Institute introductory alpha
feedback training, in which 17 right handed non-meditators (men and
women) had 8 channel EEGs (O1, O2, C3, C4, T3, T4, F3, F4) recorded
while each channel was filtered into 8 spectral sub-bands (delta, slow
theta, fast theta, slow third of alpha, broad-band alpha, fast third
of alpha, slow beta, broad-band beta) while each person had 4
simultaneous channels of EEG integrated amplitude feedback on
broad-band alpha from O1, O2, C3, and C4.
Auditory feedback was from 4 spatially separated
speakers, each of which used different tonal pitches, optimized to
minimize alpha blocking to tone onset. At regular 2 minute intervals,
the auditory feedback stopped for 8 seconds, during which time digital
displays were illuminated to show trainees their integrated amplitude
alpha scores at each of the 4 feedback sites: O1, O2, C3, C4.
The 64 EEG variables (8 channels X 8 filters) were
analyzed to produce mean, maximum, and minimum scores on each
variable, which were convolved with the mood scale variables in novel
ways to minimize individual error variance and maximize the predictive
power of the resultant Brain Amplitude Maps. The resultant partial
differential psychophysiological surfaces reveal recurring
three-dimensional patterns, which are imaged in the predictive Brain
Activity Maps for different mood states. These recurring 3-D patterns
reveal surprising underlying similarities between certain specific
psychological states known as specific moods. Striking visual
similarities are immediately apparent between maps from moods we
consider similar.
Important applications to mental health and peak
performance are readily suggested, since these maps show, in very
detailed ways, how to change brain activity to achieve any desired
type of mind activity or mind-related activity. This includes skills,
abilities, moods, feelings, experiences, mental and personality
traits, behavioral characteristics, as well as any aspect of any
process in the mind or body which one wishes to alter. The
implications of having such detailed prescriptive maps to guide and
direct EEG feedback training challenge our current powers of
imagination. Fortunately this BAMAT training methodology can be used
to improve our imaginative abilities, as well as our abilities to
understand and to integrate the vast cultural changes which this
methodology will usher in.
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