The attached articles are relevant to internal state discrimination and EEG research

Optimizing dimensions for EEG alpha state discrimination. – Jon A Frederick

Psychophysics of EEG alpha state discrimination – Jon A Frederick

The Role of Mind-Body Medicine in the Mind-Body Problem – Jon A Frederick

Disclaimer: This content was generated with the assistance of AI and then reviewed and edited by BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Introduction #

Recent advances in neurofeedback research by Dr. Jon Frederick and colleagues explore how humans can consciously perceive and differentiate their own brain states. These works bridge psychophysiology, consciousness studies, and clinical biofeedback—laying a foundation for introspective neuroscience using EEG-based methods.

1. EEG State Discrimination: Alpha and Beta/Theta Research #

Key Studies:

• Psychophysics of EEG State Discrimination (Frederick, 2005)

• Optimizing Dimensions for EEG Alpha State Discrimination (Viebrock & Frederick, 2007)

Objectives #

To determine whether individuals can reliably recognize (“discriminate”) their internal EEG states—particularly high vs. low alpha or beta/theta amplitude—and which experimental parameters optimize performance.

Methods #

EEG signals were recorded (e.g., Fz, F3, Pz) using BrainMaster hardware. Participants identified “high” or “low” EEG amplitude states, receiving auditory feedback for accuracy. Trials compared short vs. long stimulus intervals (1–4 seconds) and signal intensity thresholds.

Findings #

• Subjects successfully distinguished alpha amplitude levels above chance (up to 71% accuracy, p < .01).

• Four-second intervals improved performance compared to shorter ones.

• Discrimination was strongest at extreme amplitude percentiles (top/bottom 10%).

• Beta/theta discrimination showed less consistent success.

Implications #

Results suggest that relative alpha amplitude is perceptually discriminable, indicating an emerging “interoceptive” awareness of brain states. Measuring EEG discrimination may serve as a direct, quantifiable index of neurofeedback learning—potentially complementing traditional threshold-based control training.

2. The Role of Mind-Body Medicine in the Mind-Body Problem #

Publication: NeuroConnections, October 2007

Overview #

Frederick reframes the classic philosophical “mind-body problem” in practical, neurophysiological terms—emphasizing biofeedback as a scientific tool to study conscious control and self-regulation.

Key Concepts #

• Introduces the Psychophysiological Principle (Green & Green, 1977): every mental change accompanies a physiological one, and vice versa.

• Proposes a “mind-brain barrier” analogous to the blood-brain barrier, mediating information flow between conscious and subconscious systems.

• Suggests that mapping which physiological signals are discriminable or controllable could reveal mechanisms of consciousness and self-regulation.

• Argues for biofeedback as both a research method and therapeutic adjunct to explore mind-body integration.

3. Clinical and Research Translation #

These studies underpin a rigorous experimental model for EEG neurofeedback, relevant to BrainMaster systems such as Discovery 24E, Atlantis, and BrainAvatar 4.0.
Applications include:

• Assessment: quantifying perceptual sensitivity to alpha states (via qEEG and sLORETA).

• Training: refining Z-Score and alpha enhancement protocols by personalizing feedback duration and amplitude thresholds.

• Research: developing introspective biofeedback tools (e.g., “Introspect” software for BrainMaster users).

4. Limitations #

• Small sample sizes and preliminary nature.

• Effects need replication across EEG bands and populations.

• Discrimination-learning’s clinical benefits remain to be empirically validated.