New Citations | Empathetic Computers, Cognitive Load, and Positive Thoughts

Can Computers Feel Empathy?

When a person thinks of empathetic computers, most likely a fictional computer character in a movie comes to mind, like J.A.R.V.I.S. in The Avengers. What if in the near future computer programs were able to react when seeing the user’s EEG data, become empathetic, and tailor the experience to benefit the user? By collecting EEG data with a B-Alert X10 unit, this study showed how the potential of EEG measurements could lead to passive brain-computer interfaces that respond in real time, like J.A.R.V.I.S. Read the full study: Assessment of Empathy in an Affective VR Environment using EEG Signals (Maryam Alimardani, Annabella Hermans, and Angelica M. Tinga)

Cognitive Load and Reading Maps

Does reading a map stress you out? This study pitted novice map readers against expert map readers to see who was able to read more maps correctly by memory. Using AcqKnowledge software the researchers were able to read EEG data to see who demonstrated higher cognitive load, which led to more correct answers. Read the full study: Exploring the Cognitive Load Of Expert and Novice Map Users Using EEG and Eye Tracking (Merve Keskin, Kristien Ooms, Ahmet Ozgur Dogru, and Phillipe De Maeyer)

Could Positive Thoughts Create More Resilience?

What happens to your brain when you intentionally try to appraise emotionally salient imagery by increasing positive thoughts and feelings toward each image? Could you become more resilient though your thought process? With a BIOPAC data acquisition unit, the researcher was able to measure EEG data that showed how participants were able to cognitively appraise stimuli in a more positive manner. Read the full study: Effect of Solution-Focused Therapy on Resilience in Athletes: An EEG Study (Lori Napier)