Canada C.

Journal entries imported from the previous iteration of wisrd.org

Canada_C

Update 8/24/23

Last year in the WISRD, I worked on making and collecting data from a form that determined whether one had a fixed or growth mindset. My partner Honor and I created this form from a set of PALS questions. From the set of questions, we selected 19 that were specific towards our lab purpose. We sent out this form to Wildwood students and examined the data. Depending on whether the student answered yes or no to specific questions associated with a fixed or growth mindset, this further helped us identify patterns, and what these patterns showed when associating someone to a fixed or growth mindset. From there, I emailed those who were interested in helping us further investigate their data. Over time, I ran the headset on those who I got feedback from. When I ran the headset on those participants, I had them perform a series of tests and games that would provide extra reasoning behind their data. Once I received the data from these examinations, I compared them with the answers from the students’ tests. I then associated certain observations with each other and further determined what attributes are associated with a certain mindset.

Update 8/24/22

Today, within the WISRD space, I was able to run the new emotiv headset with my fellow WISRD member Kezie. Due to the fact the sensors were new, they tended to be dry and difficult to completely soak. Consequently, this slowed down our lab process and resulted in us not being able to successfully run a game.

Update 5/12/22

Today within WISRD, Joe came to my partner and I with an opportunity to speak with a physiology teacher at LMU. So my partner and I could be informed of the teacher and her purpose. I conducted research around these fields. Knowledge of a person is fundamental when you have goals of collaborating and working with them. Therefore, I concluded information about her beforehand will provide insuring around my partner, and I being prepared. With this background information, we can conduct ideas and questions surrounding her fields and purposes as a physiology teacher for our meeting.

Update 4-5/28-4/22

Over these past few days, I have been running different emotiv games surrounding our research plan. As we are trying to locate indicators of stress within classrooms, I made connections with these games to scenarios seen within classroom environments. I successfully ran all these games, receiving more data around our group purpose. These graphs and connection information will further be used in our white paper, as it is the data behind what causes the onset of stress among high school students.

Update 4/26/22

Today, within my WISRD period, I combined all my feedback around my issues towards running a stable lab. My work around improving lab conditions was extremely useful around receiving data. I successfully achieved running the emotiv headset, getting 100% EEG and connect quality in under 20 minutes. There were issues that I resolved to get to this stage of improving. The first solution towards 2/3 of these issues was allowing the sensors to dry. My partner and I conducted our own methods on how to sustain the quality of the felt sensors. As they often got dry within the middle of us running the emotiv, we decided soaking them often would be a solution to this issue. However this caused the sensors to disintegrate, resulting in low EEG and connect quality. I did research around how to sustain these sensors and came to resolution of letting them dry. Once I let these sensors dry, the sensors held their shape, and didn’t give me any issues when running the headset. The second solution I discovered was solved by getting in contact with emotiv. I informed them about the issues I had with the back sensors some helpful advice on how to fix this issue. They advised me to apply less pressure while putting the felt pads in the sensors. Doing this step would further limit possible erosion, therefore improving the quality surrounded around EEG and connectivity.

Update 4/11/22

Today, within my WISRD period, I decided to test the headset on a WISRD teacher. I decided to change the subject of my experiment, so I could get feedback on how to improve issues around setting up the headset. This change of candidates was helpful, as I was competent to recognize the issues with setting up the headset. This change of experiment helped me recognize 3 issues within my headset, disintegrating felt pads, too much saline, and problems with the back sensors. To effectuate changes towards these issues, I contacted the emotiv headquarters to get feedback about these matters.

Update 3/24/22

While working within the WISRD lab, I conducted a tweet centered on our current research process. The particular process I wrote was surrounded around the emotive games. The main focus of the games was the testing aspect it demonstrated. The game required quick responses towards quick thinking. From here, I correlated similar characteristics from this test with onset stress factors seen in classroom environments. The candidates data is currently being utilized to signify stress levels conducted from this test of evaluation. This is all summarized in the tweet, along with a video of the process.

Update 3/15/22

Today in the WISRD lab, I deepened research around different types of stress. The two types of stress I focused on learning more about were eustress and distress. As I expanded my awareness of these different types of stress, I began comparing this research into our research plan. I worked on finding similarities towards our lab, applying such to different aspects of our lab. For example, we are currently looking into where stress is seen in classrooms. From finding these indicators, I conducted my research to help identify where we might see these stress elements in school environments. Detailed research is found in the current research plan.

Update 2/25/22

While working within the WISRD lab, I ran the lab on an candidate. The candidate and I were able to get through numerous amounts of test, brain test, that are related to different indicators of onset stress. The game was related around a timed thinking game, correlating towards the stress factor of quick response. Quick responses are often experienced when asked a question, during timed test, and many other factors of what is considered effectual teaching. From this test, we were able to conduct an effectual score, and data that detected particular levels of stress, excitement, and engagement.

Update 2/27/22

While working within around the WISRD lab, I decided to deepen my knowledge around stress. As seen from previous journaling, I have been focusing on different stress factors, and how they can contribute towards attainment of our daily curricular. What I haven’t focused on is how to signify good stress from bad stress. This is important to locate as we may want to implement classroom regiments that fabricate good stress for students. The takeaway from this research is to locate and prove the fact that stress isn’t always a negative thing, as it can contribute towards a variety of positive, influential learning habits. From this research(current research plan), I have conducted two different types of onset stress. As I am now educated of these types of stress I will begin to differentiate the meaning of stress towards both students and teachers. This will provide benefits towards how classrooms are handled and conducted. For example a type of stress is formulated around concern and dysfunction, teachers could try to minimize any curricular centered around those two feelings. Another benefit would fit towards how students can excel from locating particular stress they experience. When students think about things that could cause them stress, they can build a negative stress from the overthinking components that diminish their thought process. If students are aware of what are affiliated with different types of stress, they could prevent themselves from wrongly accusing what stress they may be experiencing.

Update 2/20/22

Today within the WISRD lab, I decided to research(current research plan) different factors of stress that are implemented within classroom environments. I researched an article that gave clear information about possible stress leading factors. These factors correlate towards stress obtained within a classroom setting. Some of these factors include chaotic classrooms, unclear assignments, or fear of embarrassment. Within these three stress elements, are various situations that can arise to listed negative effects. I selected common stress factors that can be seen within the classroom and identified why they cause stress and how we can fix them. I researched these different factors so we could have more variety towards causes of onset stress. As we have more of these factors we can locate and categorize how they connect to the emotiv brain tests.

To do/ Update 2/11/22

Within my process of my research lab, Honor and I worked on enforcing goals and achievement from our last class. We have began running experiments on candidates and using their data for further labs. When we ran our lab this time, we decided to input advice from the meeting we had with Alex. We thought about our main purpose and decided how we could use emotiv into constructing themes that relate to such purposes. Honor and I discovered we could achieve this discovery through emotiv games. Emotiv games allows us to brain tests. There are a variety of games that test different parts of our brain. Emotiv provides computation, visal, and logical games that we can take into effect with our own lab. As we are trying to identify stress, these factors are important to take in account as they can generate stress to our minds. We can categorize similarities towards our lab and emotiv lab, relating the effects they have on our brain towards our main test factor: stress. The candidate we ran our lab on played a game that we interpreted related towards test taking, as you are on a time limit to quickly conduct answers. A chart filled with different feelings was generated, feelings that involved stress. Experiments like these are how we can further advance our discovery towards other stress causing factors. Therefore we will continue our process in testing other candidates, but with different games that test different events of stress.

To do/ Update 2/3/22

So far during our research lab, honor and I have made a variety of advancements towards our research and lab process. We have made new procedures(new procedures & current research plan) in exploration towards running our experiment. Those are minor procedures that would add to the lab running more efficiently. We have made a doc of these new procedures, as we will take them into consideration when running our lab on candidates. In addition to new lab adjustments, we have formulated a draft of our permission slip. This draft includes what our experiment will intell of and clarity towards our experiment purposes.

To Do/ Update 1/27/22

Today within the process of working in the WISRD lab, honor and I have had a meeting regarding how we can further conduct our lab research. We were able to gather a lot of helpful advice towards our stress lab. In addition to that advice we received beneficial resources that informed us about stress and how there are different variations of the feeling. Our main goal in the meeting was to inform Alex about how we want to execute our lab on possible testers. She advised us that we could pursue testing on students and other candidates if we constructed a permission slip. The permission slip would therefore permit us to both testing and experimenting with data received from the lab procedure. From this meeting we have taken two main ideas; fabricating a permission slip and inputting Alex’s advice into our lab operation.

To Do/ Update 1/26/22

Today in our process of working within the WISRD lab, we have successfully been able to fabricate data from our headset. To obtain such excellent data, we used our solution from our last altercation, hoping for a change within the wave data. Soaking the sensors daily, which was our solution played huge factors in receiving data. This enabled prohibition of refusal towards accessing data, as we had no issues retrieving EEG or connect quality. When we ran our experiment, we soaked each sensor with 4 drops of saline for extra, lasting support. From there we were able to run a variety of test and activities on the Emotiv software. Based off this thrilling data, we are hoping to move forward in our research plan and discovery with our new lab construction.

To Do/ Update 1/22

As seen previously, with our last headset, we ran into various altercations that we ourselves came up with solutions for. With our new headset, Epoc X, we have run into similar issues, now using our known knowledge and expertise to overcome faced obstacles.  We are currently improving the connectivity in the Epoc X headset by soaking the felt pads for 20 minutes in saline before use to strengthen the resistance between the felt pads and the sensors in the headset to improve connectivity.  We hope that with this extended amount of time, hopefully the sensors won’t dry quickly as trying to properly adjust the headset accordingly. We have both made a tweet with this influential progress, along with a picture of how we ran our solution towards our experiment.

https://twitter.com/WISRD/status/1480624857511432194?s=20

To Do/ Update 12/5/21

Honor and I have received the Emotiv Headset and set up the new Emotiv X headset. Assembling the headset was a smooth easy process, however we once again didn’t receive much data from the headset. The data we did see however, was the highest amount of data recorded as we received a percentage of 67. From this collected data, we eliminated and created possible solutions to help us get a full 100% of connect quality.

To Do/ Update 11/16/21

After submitting an approval agreement, Honor and I were admitted to buying the headset. Along with granting access for the approval agreement, we were also granted funding from Wildwood to place the order. Therefore, we have placed an order for the Emotiv X headset.

emotiv process order receipt

To Do/ Update 11/15/21

Based on previous attempts to receive credible, accurate data from the Emotiv Headset, Honor and I have come to final conclusion of buying a new headset. We tested in multiple places, changed variables that could possibly interfere with receiving data from the headset, and have watched instruction guides on how to setup the headset. With all of these adjustments, changes, and efficient repairs, me and honor were not able to receive full 100% connectivity connection nor contact quality. We are currently waiting on approval from emotiv in order for us to move through with buying the headset.

To Do/ Update 10/12/21

Today Honor and I presented our WISRD Emotiv Poster. It was a great presentation that many parents found interest and curiosity towards. We got many amazing questions and even possible donations to our experiment process and development. From this point forward, we will figure out how we can gather more donations and probably get our project across to more Wildwood parents and guardians.

Follow-up: Lab Outcomes

So far during our research lab we have gone through the process of setting up our lab. With our research plan, we have developed a list of notes on errors, and where to move on from those errors. Since we came up with our research plan, we recorded and gathered a list of errors for further research discovery. The first step we started on was starting and preparing the experiment. This process began with attaching felt sensors and soaking them in saline, this would enable the sensors to pick up clear, constructive data. However when we did this however the sensors were weak and didn’t pick up any connection to analyze the waves(refer to journal). We didn’t necessarily know why this misconception occurred so decided to work with a different headset to calibrate data. When we tried this new headset however, the same issue occurred; the connectivity stayed at 0. To resolve this recurring issue, we decided to test our experiment in the library; a space limited to electronic vitality. At the library, we were able to finally get a source of connection between the headset and data website. Although we were able to solve our issue, honor and I were finally able to see viable accurate data waves! We tried a brain test, which consisted of making face expressions that the website would replicate. Based on the data honor and I recorded we discovered, the waves were beta. This means that honor, (who was testing the headset) was awake, and excited which she was, due to the fact that we were able to get the headset to display data. Although we ran into many errors, with productivity and determination we were finally able to reach a point to see actual, accurate data!

To do/ update : 9/20/21

·        We tested the emotiv headset and got positive feedback, we got some waves from the headset; possible data for further research toward stress levels and how it has an impact on the brain. 

·        We didn’t get to install all of the sensors into the headset due to the fact that the majority of them broke, however we were able to get the majority of them to connect. This resulted in us gaining some data and running a few brain tests.

·        For further research and lab work, we need to buy new sensors that will replace the ones that were damaged. Once we do this, we can move on to collecting data, writing our research paper, and beginning on our lab poster.

Based on the data we collected, the waves were beta. This means that honor was awake, and excited which she was, due to the fact that we were able to get the headset to display data.

To do / update : 9/13/21

·        We tested emotiv epoc flex in the library, we were getting some connectivity however, the percentage stayed at zero. We think that honors hair was the issue because the sensors were not able to reach her scalp; where the waves would pick up

·        Next time we will be trying the other headset, which is more accessible to hong, thick hair similar to honors.

·        We will test it in the library, wet the sensors with saline, and maybe try to fix the broken sensors with glue??? Something that wouldn’t make an impact on how the sensors functioned.

Research Plan

Project

·        Studying the way high school students respond to stress, specifically looking for a signal that would indicate the onset of stress

·        A. Identify the onset of stress using E-Motiv 

·        B. Develop a feedback loop 

o   Test if feedback loop can be used to interrupt the onset of stress

·        C. Miniaturize equipment to make it wearable

·        D. Test levels of child & teen stress in classrooms and school settings

Goals

·        Acquire a strong baseline knowledge

·        The basic physics connected to collecting EEG waves

·        Neuroscience

·        Collect data

·        Write/create a publication

Lab Updates

To do 9/10/21 :

·        Measure and record EEG waves

·        Start to make small bullet points with possible ideas for hypothesis

·        Attach felt sensors and soak in saline: we did this however the sensors were weak and didn’t pick up any connection to analyze the waves, may might have to buy new sensors

·        Research to build a hypothesis