• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.125-154
• /
• 2009

This paper describes the possibility of human physiological data, especially brain-wave activity, to detect cognitive overload, a phenomenon that may occur while learner uses an e-learning system. If it is found that cognitive overload to be detectable, providing appropriate feedback to learners may be possible. To illustrate the possibility, while engaging in cognitive activities, cognitive load levels were measured by EEG (electroencephalogram) to seek detection of cognitive overload. The task given to learner was a computerized listening and recall test designed to measure working memory capacity, and the test had four progressively increasing degrees of difficulty. Eight male, right-handed, university students were asked to answer 4 sets of tests and each test took from 61 seconds to 198 seconds. A correction ratio was then calculated and EEG results analyzed. The correction ratio of listening and recall tests were 84.5%, 90.6%, 62.5% and 56.3% respectively, and the degree of difficulty had statistical significance. The data highlighted learner cognitive overload on test level of 3 and 4, the higher level tests. Second, the SEF-95% value was greater on test3 and 4 than on tests 1 and 2 indicating that tests 3 and 4 imposed greater cognitive load on participants. Third, the relative power of EEG gamma wave rapidly increased on the 3rd and $4^{th}$ test, and signals from channel F3, F4, C4, F7, and F8 showed statistically significance. These five channels are surrounding the brain's Broca area, and from a brain mapping analysis it was found that F8, right-half of the brain area, was activated relative to the degree of difficulty. Lastly, cross relation analysis showed greater increasing in synchronization at test3 and $4^{th}$ at test1 and 2. From these findings, it is possible to measure brain cognitive load level and cognitive over load via brain activity, which may provide atimely feedback scheme for e-learning systems.