Portable EEG for assessing attention in educational settings: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Attention plays a critical role in learning. While multiple behavioral and neuroimaging methods can measure attention, portable EEG provides the opportunity to measure attention in a more naturalistic environment. However, the field is still in its infancy, with varied research aims and methodologies. The current scoping review aims to clarify: (1) the research aims of the studies, (2) the portable EEG collection methodologies, and (3) the EEG measures of attention. Method: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR). Two authors extracted data items from 45 eligible studies selected from five databases. Results: Three research aims were identified in previous studies: examining the effects of learning-related factors on attention measured by portable EEG (n = 23), developing attention classification algorithms (n = 7) and software for monitoring and promoting attention (n = 10), and verifying the signal quality of EEG derived from portable EEG in attentional tasks (n = 5). Most studies sampled fewer than 40 college students and recorded EEG no longer than 40 minutes with portable EEG devices developed by Neurosky. The testing sites and tasks were predominantly out-of-lab controlled settings and structured learning materials. EEG measures were selected by theory-based (n = 8) or data-driven approaches (n = 37), with most studies quantifying task-related attention with the spectrum power in multiple EEG bands. Discussion: Portable EEG has been a promising approach to measuring attention in educational settings. Meanwhile, there are challenges and opportunities related to the better translation of cognitive neuroscience research into practice.

Low-Cost EEG Multi-Subject Recording Platform for the Assessment of Students’ Attention and the Estimation of Academic Performance in Secondary School

“…The fast Fourier transform (FFT) was applied to the raw signal to compute the power spectral density (PSD) of each brainwave [31]. Specifically, we extract the PSD of beta brainwave (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30), which is related to the state of concentration, attention, or alertness [32,33].…”

“…Wang et al [25] present a comprehensive and in-depth review of the state of the art regarding portable EEG devices (such as Neurosky or Emotive) in education, specifically for assessing attention. They analyzed 45 studies conducted between 2011 and 2023 that used a portable EEG for assessing attention.…”