Yet Another Objective Approach for Measuring Cognitive Load Using EEG-Based Workload

Abstract

This study conducted a preliminary investigation on the correlations between learners' EEG-based workload and their self-reported cognitive load in a multimedia learning context. An experiment including two learning tasks was conducted with 15 graduate students. The NeuroSky brainwave headset was used to collect participants' electroencephalography (EEG) data and using the theta/alpha ratio as brain workload during the learning tasks. On the other hand, a questionnaire was used to assess participants' self-reported cognitive load after the learning tasks. A paired samples t-test was used to test if there are any differences between the two learning tasks. The results show that cognitive load was significant, but the EEG-based theta/alpha ratio was not significant. In terms of the preliminary correlations, there are no significant results between the EEG-based theta/alpha ratio and cognitive load found. Future studies require more analyses of the EEG-based data, for example nonlinear approaches with a larger sample size.