Presentation Information
[5O3-IS-5b-04]Analysis of Life Science Experimental Tasks via Cognitive Load Estimation Using Auditory Steady-State Responses
〇Hibiki Kubo1, Miyata Natsuki2, Toutai Mitsuyama2, Ikuko Eguchi Yairi1 (1. Sophia University, 2. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology)
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Keywords:
EEG,Life Science Experiments,Cognitive Load,ASSR,Frontal Theta Wave
The issue of low reproducibility in life science experiments is critical, necessitating objective evaluation methods to minimize reliance on subjective manual skills and facilitate effective training. This study quantified cognitive load during physical experimental tasks—specifically pipetting and DNA purification using magnetic beads—by comparing EEG indices (frontal theta, parietal/occipital alpha, and Auditory Steady-State Response [ASSR]) with subjective NASA-TLX scores.
Results demonstrated that frontal theta power significantly increased in the order of rest, pipetting, and DNA purification. This metric correlated with NASA-TLX, confirming it sensitively reflects workload variations. Conversely, while ASSR-PLI decreased significantly during tasks compared to rest, it did not differ between specific experiment types, nor did alpha waves show significant changes. However, time-series visualization of ASSR-PLI suggested the potential to identify instantaneous high-load states and visual resource allocation. These findings indicate that estimating cognitive load can contribute to the objective evaluation of experimental techniques and the establishment of efficient educational methodologies.
Results demonstrated that frontal theta power significantly increased in the order of rest, pipetting, and DNA purification. This metric correlated with NASA-TLX, confirming it sensitively reflects workload variations. Conversely, while ASSR-PLI decreased significantly during tasks compared to rest, it did not differ between specific experiment types, nor did alpha waves show significant changes. However, time-series visualization of ASSR-PLI suggested the potential to identify instantaneous high-load states and visual resource allocation. These findings indicate that estimating cognitive load can contribute to the objective evaluation of experimental techniques and the establishment of efficient educational methodologies.