Cited by 168Mind wandering and attentionNeural dynamics and brain functionEEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces

The wandering mind oscillates: EEG alpha power is enhanced during moments of mind-wandering

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Compton, Rebecca J., Gearinger, Dylan, Wild, Hannah·2019·Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience

Abstract

What is your brain doing while your mind is wandering? This study used a within-subjects experience-sampling design to test whether episodes of mind-wandering during a demanding cognitive task are associated with increases in EEG alpha power. Alpha refers to cyclic oscillations in EEG activity at 8-12 Hz, and has been previously correlated with internally rather than externally directed cognition. Participants completed a speeded performance task with more than 800 trials while EEG was recorded. Intermittent experience-sampling probes asked participants to indicate whether their mind was wandering or on-task. Participants reported mind-wandering in response to approximately half of the probes. EEG alpha power was significantly higher preceding probes to which participants reported mind-wandering, compared with probes to which participants reported being on task. These findings imply that dynamic changes in alpha power may prove a valuable tool in studying momentary fluctuations in mind-wandering.

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  • EEG alpha wave perturbations are correlated with mind wandering.

    “EEG alpha wave perturbations are also correlated with “mind wandering” (Compton et al., 2019) when attention drifts away from a task activity.”

    From Consciousness: Matter or EMF? (2023) · cites this paper as Compton et al., 2019

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Authors
Compton, R. J., Gearinger, D., & Wild, H.
Affiliations
Haverford College (US)
Corresponding author
Compton, Rebecca J.
Venue
Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience
Published
2019-09-09
Volume
19
Issue
5
Pages
1184-1191
ISSN
  • 1530-7026 (ISSN-L)
  • 1531-135X
OpenAlex
W2972400339
Cited by
168
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 25 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 2
FWCI
9.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Science Foundation (1632584)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Mind wandering and attention
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces
Keywords
mind wandering, EEG alpha power, alpha oscillations, task performance, ecological momentary assessment
MeSH terms
Ecological Momentary Assessment, Alpha Rhythm, Attention, Brain, Cognition, Female, Humans, Male, Thinking, Stroop Test

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