Guilherme M de O. Wood

Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz | KFU Graz · Section for Neuropsychology

Abstracts are the showcase of scientific studies, crafted to make an impression on the reader within a limited space and to determine the amount of attention each study receives. Systemic conditions in the sciences may change the expressive norm and incentive scientists to hype abstracts to promote their work and career. Previous studies found that...

Traditional models of social influence typically use assimilative or repulsive influence to study how consensus or polarization emerge. Given simple network structures, such as fully connected graphs, traditional models often fail to account for the multi-modal opinion distributions found in empirical data. In this study, we focus on more realistic...

Neurofeedback is a popular technique to induce neuroplasticity with a controversial reputation. The public discourse on neurofeedback, as a therapeutic and neuroenhancement technique, encompasses scientific communication, therapeutic expectations and outcomes, as well as complementary and alternative practices. We investigated twitter publications...

In this diffusion tension imaging study, voxel wise structural equation modeling was used to unravel the relation between white matter, cognition, and age. Four neurocognitive ageing models describing the interplay between age, white matter integrity, and cognition were investigated but only two models survived an Akaike information criterion-based...

The use of game elements in learning tasks is thought to facilitate emotional and behavioral responses as well as learner engagement. So far, however, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms of game-based learning. In the current study, we added game elements to a number line estimation task assessing fraction understanding and compa...

Previous studies suggest that it is possible to influence creative performance, by increasing the level of activity in one of the brains hemispheres through unilateral hand movements. Stronger right-hemispheric brain activation due to left-hand movement is assumed to promote creative performance. In this study the aim was to replicate these effects...

Neurofeedback, an operant conditioning neuromodulation technique, uses information from brain activities in real-time via brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. This technique has been utilized to enhance the cognitive abilities, including working memory performance, of human beings. The aims of this study are to investigate how alpha neurofeed...

Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based neurofeedback (NF) is mainly used in clinical settings as a therapeutic intervention or to optimize performance in healthy individuals. Home-based NF systems are available and might facilitate general access to NF training, especially when repeated training sessions are necessary. However, it remains an open questio...

Confirmation bias has been traditionally seen as a detrimental aspect of the human mind, but recently researchers have also argued that it might be advantageous under certain circumstances. To test this idea, we developed a minimally complex agent-based model in which agents detect binary signals. Compared to unbiased agents, biased agents have a h...

Regular exercise improves cognitive control abilities and successful self-regulation of physical activity. However, it is not clear whether exercising also improves the ability to self-regulate one’s own brain activity. We investigated this in 26 triathletes and 25 control participants who did not exercise regularly. Within each group half of the p...

Electroencephalography-neurofeedback (EEG-NF) has become a valuable tool in the field of psychology, e.g., to improve cognitive function. Nevertheless, a large percentage of NF users seem to be unable to control their own brain activation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether a different kind of visual feedback could positively i...

Human intelligence is one of the scientifically best understood psychological constructs. 100 years of research have produced a large body of evidence regarding the definition, measurement, ontogenetic development, structure, predictive validity, elementary-cognitive, genetic, and neurobiological underpinnings. Recent intelligence research has focu...

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool for neurological rehabilitation, especially for motor rehabilitation. In the present study, we investigate whether brain activation patterns that are evoked by active movements are comparable when these movements are carried out in reality and in VR. Therefore, 40 healthy adults (20 men, mean age 25.31 years...

Math anxiety (MA) seems to result from an interaction of genetic vulnerability with negative experiences learning mathematics. Although mathematics achievement does not substantially differ between the sexes, MA levels are usually higher in girls. Molecular genetic markers of MA vulnerability have been seldom explored. This article examines the con...

Statistical knowledge is a key competency for psychologists in order to correctly interpret assessment outcomes. Importantly, when learning statistics (and its mathematical foundations), self‐efficacy (defined as an individual's belief to successfully accomplish specific performance attainments) is a central predictor of students’ motivation to lea...

In this diffusion tension imaging study, voxel wise structural equation modeling was used to unravel the relation between white matter, cognition, and age. In total four models were tested but only two models survived the testing procedure. The independent factor model predicts that there is no relation between white matter and cognition although b...

Neurometry (a.k.a. quantitative EEG or qEEG) is a popular method to assess clinically relevant abnormalities in the electroencephalogram. Neurometry is based on norm values for the distribution of specific EEG parameters and believed to show good psychometric properties such as test-retest reliability. Many psychometric properties only hold under t...

The subjective presence experience in virtual reality (VR) is associated with distinct brain activation patterns. Particularly, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) seems to play a central role. We investigated the effects of electric brain stimulation (transcranial direct current, tDCS) on the presence experience as well as on brain activity...

In brain-computer interface applications such as neurofeedback (NF), traditional 2D visual feedback has been replaced frequently by more sophisticated 3D virtual reality (VR) scenarios. VR is considered to be more motivating and to increase NF training success. However, hard evidence on user experience in set-ups combining VR-EEG NF has been scarce...

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is gaining popularity as a non-invasive neuroimaging technique in a broad range of fields, including the context of gaming and serious games. However, the capabilities of fNIRS are still underutilized. FNIRS is less prone to motion artifacts and more portable in comparison to other neuroimaging methods...

Objective Neurofeedback training may improve cognitive function in patients with neurological disorders. However, the underlying cerebral mechanisms of such improvements are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate MRI correlates of cognitive improvement after EEG-based neurofeedback training in patients with MS (pwMS). Methods Fourte...

Background Real-time fMRI neurofeedback is growing in reputation as a means to alter brain activity patterns and alleviate psychiatric symptoms. Activity in ventral striatum structures is considered an index of training efficacy. fMRI response in these brain regions indicates neurofeedback-driven associative learning. Here we investigated the impac...

The determination of the generalized fractal dimensions (FDs) from MRI tractograms is affected by image resolution and the number of fiber tracts. In this work, we demonstrate that only certain combinations of image resolution, number of fiber tracts and exponent of the generalized dimensions are able to capture structural changes in human cerebral...

Modulating connectivity measures in EEG-based neurofeedback studies is assumed to be a promising therapeutic and training tool. However, little is known so far about its effects and trainability. In the present study, we investigated the effects of up- and down-regulating SMR (12–15 Hz) coherence by means of neurofeedback training on EEG activity a...

These authors contributed equally to this work. All other authors are listed in reverse alphabetical order. Neurofeedback has begun to attract the attention and scrutiny of the scientific and medical mainstream. Here, neurofeedback researchers present a consensus-derived checklist that aims to improve the reporting and experimental design standards...

Research on instructional design provides inconsistent results on the use of game elements in cognitive tasks or learning. Cognitive load theory suggests that game elements increase extraneous cognitive load and thus may distract the users. In contrast, from an emotional design perspective, the use of game elements is argued to increase performance...

Mathematics learning difficulties (MLD) are associated with lower income, employability and psychosocial adaptation, however, the identification of children with MLD is hampered by the absence of reliable cognitive and biological markers. Performance in arithmetic below a cutoff score on a standardized achievement test is one of the criteria adopte...

In the present study, we investigated neural processes underlying programming experience. Individuals with high programming experience might develop a form of computational thinking, which they can apply on complex problem-solving tasks such as reasoning tests. Therefore, N = 20 healthy young participants with previous programming experience and N...

Human mate selection behavior in digital environments is, despite the rise of online dating, not well understood. In this paper, swiping apps are simulated by using an agent-based model. Implementing empirically derived data from other studies, the aim of this study is to investigate the fairness of such platforms. Our model predicts that positive...

The core learning mechanisms of neurofeedback (NF) training are associative, implicit, and, consequently, largely impervious to consciousness. Many other aspects of training that determine training outcomes, however, are accessible to conscious processing. The outcomes of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) up-regulation training are related to the strategie...

Neurofeedback allows participants to voluntarily control their own brain activity. Consequently, neurofeedback is a potential intervention tool in diverse clinical domains. Different brain signals can be fed back to the neurofeedback users, such as the hemodynamic response of the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and near-inf...

Neurofeedback has begun to attract the attention and scrutiny of the scientific and medical mainstream. Here, neurofeedback researchers present a consensus-derived checklist that aims to improve the reporting and experimental design standards in the field.

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Artikel möchten wir einen kurzen Überblick über die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von Neurofeedback geben. Neurofeedback ist eine Methode, in der man lernen kann über direkte Rückmeldung der eigenen Gehirnaktivierung diese willentlich zu modulieren. Dies kann zu kognitiven, motorischen und / oder affektiven Verbesserungen füh...

Motor imagery of movements is used as mental strategy in neurofeedback applications to gain voluntary control over activity in motor areas of the brain. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we first addressed the question whether motor imagery and execution of swallowing activate comparable brain areas, which has been...

Objective: To investigate the effects of EEG-based neurofeedback training, in which one can learn to self-regulate one's own brain activity, on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Methods: Fourteen pwMS performed ten neurofeedback training sessions within 3-4 weeks at home using a tele-rehabilitation system. The aim of...

EEG-neurofeedback (NF) is used as a training method for altering brain and associated functional activity in healthy individuals and patients alike. Depending on the chosen NF protocol (aiming at enhancing alpha, beta etc. EEG frequency band activity), NF training effects may be rather specific, aiming at ameliorating cognitive or non-cognitive sta...

Neurofeedback studies revealed that the hemodynamic response as assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be voluntarily modulated. However, the hemodynamic response generally changes with age, and it remains unclear whether age-related differences in the hemodynamic response affect the trainability of brain signals. In the present study,...

Math anxiety (MA) is a phobic reaction to math activities, potentially impairing math achievement. Higher frequency of MA in females is explainable by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The molecular-genetic basis of MA has not been investigated. The COMT Val158Met polymorphism, which affects dopamine levels in the prefronta...

Math learning difficulties (MD) correspond to math achievement below the 25th percentile and are cognitively heterogeneous. It is not known precisely how cognitive mechanisms underlie distinct subtypes of MD. A bottom-up, cluster-analytic strategy, based on visuoconstructional, visuospatial and phonological working memory, and non-symbolic and symb...

This checklist is intended to encourage robust experimental design and clear reporting for clinical and cognitive-behavioural neurofeedback experiments.

This checklist is intended to encourage robust experimental design and clear reporting for clinical and cognitive-behavioural neurofeedback experiments. Available at https://psyarxiv.com/nyx84

Recently, a deep impact of psychosocial effects on the outcomes of neurofeedback training was suggested. Previous findings point out an association between locus of control in dealing with technology and the individual ability to up-regulate the sensorimotor rhythm (12-15 Hz) in the EEG. Since the antecedents of locus of control in dealing with tec...

Timecourses that exhibit identical behaviour at distinct measurement occasions are reliable. Voodoo connectivity occurs when connectivity among brain regions exceeds within subject timecourse reliability. Thus, timecourse reliability limits the true detectable connectivity. We reproduced a working memory related connectome consisting of 561 paths o...

When people come together to interact with music, they might not only synchronize their movements (temporal social entrainment), but also harmonize their emotional states (affective social entrainment). Here, we investigate how culturally typical and atypical music influences affective social entrainment. Sixty-one participants with a Western cultu...

Mental calculation is thought to be tightly related to visuospatial abilities. One of the strongest evidence for this link is the widely replicated operational momentum (OM) effect: the tendency to overestimate the result of additions and to underestimate the result of subtractions. Although the OM effect has been found in both infants and adults,...

Mental calculation is thought to be tightly related to visuospatial abilities. One of the strongest evidence for this link is the widely replicated operational momentum (OM) effect: the tendency to overestimate the result of additions and to underestimate the result of subtractions. Although the OM effect has been found in both infants and adults,...

It is still poorly understood how unspecific effects peripheral to the supposed action mechanism of neurofeedback (NF) influence the ability to self-regulate one's own brain signals. Recently, skeptical researchers have even attributed the lion's part of therapeutic outcomes of NF to placebo and other psychosocial factors. Here, we investigated whe...

Background: Recently, fNIRS has been proposed as a promising approach for awareness detection, and a possible method to establish basic communication in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Aim: Using fNIRS, the present study evaluated the applicability of auditory presented mental-arithmetic tasks in this respect. Methods: We investigat...

We investigated the trainability of the hemodynamic response as assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during one neurofeedback (NF) session. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to four different groups that tried to either increase or decrease oxygenated (oxy-Hb) or deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) over the inferior frontal...

Fractal analysis is a widely used tool to analyze the geometrical complexity of biological structures. The geometry of natural objects such as plants, clouds, cellular structures, blood vessel, and many others cannot be described sufficiently with Euclidian geometric properties, but can be represented by a parameter called the fractal dimension. He...

Several non-invasive imaging methods have contributed to shed light on the brain mechanisms underlying working memory (WM). The aim of the present study was to depict the topology of the relevant EEG-derived brain networks associated to distinct operations of WM function elicited by the Sternberg Item Recognition Task (SIRT) such as encoding, stora...

Cortical thickness has been investigated since the beginning of the 20th century, but we do not know how similar the cortical thickness profiles among humans are. In this study, the local similarity of cortical thickness profiles was investigated using sliding window methods. Here, we show that approximately 5% of the cortical thickness profiles ar...

This study evaluated the effects of alpha/theta neurofeedback on Clinical Personality Accentuations in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Twenty-five males were investigated using a pre-test/post-test design with a waiting-list control group. Participants were randomly assigned either to an experimental group (n = 13) receiving 12 sessions of n...

Neurofeedback (NF) is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) application, in which the brain activity is fed back to the user in real-time enabling voluntary brain control. In this context, the significance of the feedback design is mainly unexplored. Highly immersive feedback scenarios using virtual reality (VR) technique are available. However, their e...

In the last years, innovations in technology and methodology, as well as increased knowledge about cortical oscillations, have significantly impacted the advancement of new neurofeedback approaches. As such, sham-controlled studies, showing evidence for enhanced performance of cognition after self-regulation of brain activity, have been published....

In many of our daily social interactions, we need to coordinate and to synchronize movements. Various studies have demonstrated that interpersonal movement synchronization has positive effects on cooperation and affiliation. Here, we investigated whether music as compared to a metronome can further strengthen these prosocial effects. We used a with...

Interpersonal synchronization of movements, such as walking at the same pace or dancing to the same beat, can strengthen pro-social behavior and affiliation. People all over the world come together every now and then to become entrained with a shared musical rhythm. Thus, the social and emotional power of music might further tighten interpersonal b...

Issue Section: Letters to the Editor

Sensorimotor integration tasks, such as body movements in time with music, can foster the experience of flow – a pleasurable state of full engagement and concentration, occurring during a seemingly effortless and automatic activity. As it can be argued that both music and flow are embodied phenomena, perception-action coupling might be the core of...

There is accumulating evidence suggesting an association of numbers with physical space. However, the origin of such spatial-numerical associations (SNAs) is still debated. In the present study we investigated the development of two SNAs in a cross-sectional study involving children, young and middle-aged adults as well as the elderly: (1) the SNAR...

Background Although established as a general notion in society, there is no solid scientific foundation for the existence of sex-differences in multitasking. Reaction time and accuracy in dual task conditions have an inverse relationship relative to single task, independently from sex. While a more disseminated network, parallel to decreasing accur...

Minimal raw data of the study for all participants. (XLSX)