Flow Neurophysiology in Knowledge Work: Electroencephalographic Observations from Two Cognitive Tasks

Abstract

In an effort to study flow experiences in the context of less structured knowledge work (KW), we explored a paradigm we call controlled experience sampling (cESM). Participants worked on a naturalistic, cognitive task (a personal scientific thesis), and a difficulty-manipulated math task. Results show that the cESM approach elicits a consistent flow experience with intensities as least as high as in the math task flow condition. An interesting finding is that given similar flow intensities, different perceptions of stress arise between the two paradigms. EEG results from both tasks suggest increased frontal upper alpha band (10-12Hz) activity with increased task attention, that has higher temporal stability in flow than in a boredom condition, and that is laterally indifferent. Integrating with the presently available literature, the results further consolidate an understanding of flow as a state of fronto-lateral activation.