Analysis of cognitive states in response to stimuli from augmented reality applications for teaching physics

Abstract

The scope of this article is to analyze the behavior of children’s brain waves in response to interaction with an augmented reality application that aims to support the concept of measurement in physics teaching. In particular, the analysis of brain waves is carried out through a brain-computer interface that measures 6 cognitive states such as engagement, interest, stress, focus, excitation, and relaxation. The method used to perform the analysis is carried out by means of electroencephalography, which is an electrophysiological process to record the electrical activity of the brain, and which is captured by means of sensors located on the scalp. Once the signals are captured, they are amplified, digitized, and stored in a computer for processing and analysis. Initially, electrical signals are recorded in response to a measurement stimulus with traditional methods and later with an augmented reality application stimulus. Among the most relevant findings, it was possible to establish that interest and commitment increase in response to the teaching method supported with an augmented reality application for the measurement concept with respect to the traditional teaching method. The use of vision technologies in teaching the concept of measurement improves cognitive states of interest, commitment and reduces the level of stress.