Here’s a nifty little trick for using MWS for asymmetrical visual stimulation.
Launch two copies of Mind Workstation and, via Browse Samples, select Screen Flashing from Simulation Type Examples. Alter the beat frequency of each copy to suit your requirements
Start each copy and resize the flashing windows to narrow vertical strips (1-2cm wide, full height of the monitor) on the left and right hand sides of the screen.
Position yourself facing the centre of the screen so that the flashing bands are at the edges of peripheral vision and look straight ahead. This is ideal for setting up attention/focus/ADHD type sessions where the matter being studied is displayed between the flashing bands.
Note that the effect is different depending on how far into peripheral vision the stimulus lies. If it is within the usual right and left visual fields, activity will be seen, with the EEG, over the main visual cortex. If the stimulus is outside the usual visual field and well into the peripheral, then no corresponding signal will be found over the main visual cortex, but will be found (if you’re lucky) over one or more supplementary visual regions. The latter has the advantage that the main visual field is left flicker free for reading, etc.
The method as it stands, relying on manual startup of the two copies is suitable for simple sessions where synchronisation of the left and right stimulus isn’t required.
It would be nice to be able to have multiple screen display tracks, but alas, MWS is currently limited to one.
Cheers,
Craig
