The Linear and Nonlinear Indices of EEG Change in the Stroop Color and Word Test

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the brain activity based on the linear and nonlinear features of surface electroencephalography (EEG) in the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and the effect of learning in the test response and related EEG features. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 women and 19 men with physical and mental health participated in this study. Four stages of this SCWT, consistently in the first and second stages and inconsistently in the third and fourth stages, were taken twice by the participants with a 10-min interval. Besides, EEG recording was simultaneously taken for 1 minute at each stage. Results: The number of correct responses in the inconsistent stages was lower than that in the consistent stages, while the delay of correct responses was more in the consistent stages. EEG features showed that the relative power band of alpha 1 (8-10 Hz) frequency reduced during the test compared to the resting state. In contrast, the gamma 2 (40-50 Hz) frequency band showed a significant increase. There was no significant difference between various stages of the test and between two repetitions in the test indices and EEG features. Conclusion: Compared to the resting state, the relative power of alpha 1 and gamma 2 frequency bands changed during SCWT without considering the stage of the test.