Investigating the effect of hairstyles on the quality of EEG data

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Gezae, Gidey
Millennium Scholars Program:
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisor:
Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Supervisor
Keywords:
Electroencephalography
Hairstyle
Electric Impedance
Lab Procedure
Curly hair
Electrode
Abstract:
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive method that measures brainwaves by placing electrodes on the scalp. Researchers rely on non-diverse samples, which often overlook minorities, and create a lack of representation in EEG research. Altering research lab procedures can improve data collection techniques and develop more inclusive methodologies. Certain guidelines often applied in EEG studies, such as requiring participants to have specific hairstyles or requesting to take down hairstyles, can prevent individuals from being involved in EEG research. Data quality can be affected by highly manipulated hairstyles, which create uneven distributions of hair on the scalp, resulting in higher impedance levels compared to natural or low-manipulation hairstyles. We hypothesized that balancing EEG requirements with the participants' comfort, through measuring timespan and gel usage during EEG sessions for five individuals with manipulated hairstyles and non-manipulated hairstyles, will reduce the impedance levels and improve the quality of the data. Due to variability in results, we were unable to effectively identify a connection between both manipulated hairstyle and non-manipulated hair sessions, producing better EEG data. However, through conducting this study we are able to provide data that is representative of multiple groups and ensure better protocol approaches for both the participants and the experimenter.