Before I collect the data, and given the data I’ve already collected during other activities, forming a few hypotheses might be in order. I’m referring to gathering EEG activity data while climbing. First, we have to recognize that the data is graphed as “activity” in the brain. More activity is flagged for us and less activity is sought out in terms of the meditation program. The data is graphed and rewards given based upon the least amount of EEG activity for the longest periods of time. That’s the way the program is set up. The other program, however, just records raw, real-time data and doesn’t assign it a “value” (seeking more or less) for its “activity” (or lack thereof). I haven’t figured out how to get that program to record yet, so let’s deal with the meditation program and base our hypotheses off of what we might see there, assigning our own “value” to the “activity” we observe in the EEG data.
Hypothesis #1: While climbing, there will be a lot of EEG activity graphed in the “Active” zone of the graph. This will be the result of my brain being highly active due to all of the new information it is constantly receiving and processing as I climb, even if I feel calm emotionally. (To clarify, “Calm” in our present discussion, when capitalized and inside quotation marks, shall refer to lower levels of EEG activity and the region of graphed data in the meditation program. When in lowercase letters and not set apart by quotation marks, it will be identified as an emotional state relatively opposite that of anxiety, and not necessarily reflected by the EEG activity.)
Hypothesis #2: While climbing, there will be a lot of EEG activity graphed in the “Calm” zone of the graph. This will be the result of a singular focus on climbing, without room for my thoughts to drift or my attention to be on other matters and/or distractions. The intense focus of climbing will literally push out any competing thoughts and/or distractions, leading to EEG data being recorded in the “Calm” region of the graph. In this regard, the singular focus would be akin to that in deep meditation.
Hypothesis #3: While climbing, there will be a lot of EEG activity graphed in the “Neutral” zone of the graph, with spikes into both the “Active” and the “Calm” zones of the graph. This will be the result of new information acquisition and problem resolution. In other words, the challenges presented by climbing will initially graphed in the “Active” region of the graph, and then problem-solving measures will be taken (graphed in the “Neutral” region of the graph), followed by problem resolution leading to a dip into the “Calm” region of the graph. I would be interested to see if the next problem acquired shot the EEG data straight up into the “Active” region from the “Calm” region of the graph following resolution of the previous problem, possibly skipping the “Neutral” region for all intents and purposes at that stage of processing.
Hypothesis #4: While climbing, an unanticipated and/or unrecognizable pattern of EEG activity will be graphed. An explanation of that would depend upon the data recorded and replication of the data for analysis would be necessary, as in all other cases.
I’m really excited to see what the data will show when I wear the Muse headband while climbing!!! I’ll probably have to have my iPhone in my pocket as I climb to make sure the data gets recorded because it’s linked by Bluetooth to the headband. I’m not sure if the link between the headband and my iPad Mini will hold steady as I climb because the distance may be too great. This is a good practical exercise in problem solving all by itself!!!
CLIMBING 4 THE REST OF US 