Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in cognitive monitoring

Purpose and goal:

The Mendi headset uses advanced neuroimaging technology (fNIRS) to measure activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in cognitive processes. The project will test the viability of the Mendi headset as a cognitive monitoring device and develop an fNIRS-based attentional state index. At present, attentional states have been indexed using EEG, but not for fNIRS devices, which offer a higher fidelity local signal and are cheaper to manufacture, allowing for a wider range of applications and more affordable options for consumers.

Expected results and effects:

The results will be used to develop an Engagement Index (EI) that uses PFC activity to estimate sustained attention across time. This will pave the way for many potentially successful applications of Mendi as a cognitive monitoring device. Given the wearability and wireless nature of the Mendi headset, it is well-suited for naturalistic experiments.

Approach and implementation:

The recruited researcher will conduct experiments designed to test if the Mendi headset can be used to reliably monitor cognitive engagement during established behavioral sustained attention tasks. Sustained attention is characterized as the ability to concentrate on a specific stimulus over a period of time while excluding distracting stimuli. The project aims to test whether PFC activation changes reflect three varying aspects of sustained attention i) lapses of sustained attention, ii) sustaining attention over time and iii) mind-wandering.