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نمایش مقاله

Title:

A Frequency-Topographic Atlas of Decision-Making Components Derived from Ecologically Valid Game Play: A High-Density qEEG Investigation

Subject:

Clinical Applications of Brain Mappin

Presenter Author:
Name:	Alireza Falakdin

Author:
Name 1:	Alireza Falakdin - Corresponding - Presenter
Affiliation 1:	Institute For Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran

Name 2:	Soheila Hosseinzadeh
Affiliation 2:	School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Name 3:	Mahdieh Karami
Affiliation 3:	Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran

Name 4:	Mehraveh Ahmadi
Affiliation 4:	Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Name 5:	Vahid Hosseinkhani
Affiliation 5:	School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Name 6:	Ata Pourabbasi
Affiliation 6:	Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

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Abstract

Original Research

introduction :

Understanding the neural architecture of decision-making requires mapping its sub-components—such as strategic planning, reward processing, and risk evaluation—onto distinct neurophysiological signatures. While laboratory tasks offer control, they often lack ecological validity. This study bridges this gap by employing engaging, real-world-like board games within a standardized qEEG paradigm. We hypothesize that core decision-making components can be dissociated into reproducible, component-specific frequency–topographic signatures on the scalp, providing an empirical atlas for neurovalidation and targeted intervention.

Methods:

Forty healthy adults (age 18–35) completed four decision-making games—Risk, Chess, Monopoly, and Dots & Boxes—and a chance-based control game (Snakes & Ladders) while 64-channel EEG was recorded. Preprocessing in NeuroGuide v2.9.2 included 1–40 Hz bandpass filtering, PCA-based artifact correction, and epoching (2-second windows). Spectral analysis yielded absolute power (theta: 4–8 Hz, alpha: 8–12 Hz, beta: 12–30 Hz) and derived ratios (Theta/Beta Ratio—TBR; Alpha/Beta Ratio—ABR). A priori regions of interest (ROIs) were frontal (F3,F4,Fz,FCz), central (C3,Cz,C4), and parietal (P3,Pz,P4). Statistical analysis used repeated-measures ANOVA with Greenhouse–Geisser correction and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons to assess game-type effects on qEEG indices. Topographic maps were generated for visualization.

Results:

Game type significantly modulated scalp oscillatory activity (e.g., main effect on frontal theta: F(3, 102)=10.25, p=0.001, partial η²=0.33). Topographic mapping revealed distinct, component-specific signatures: (1) Strategic Planning (Chess) was characterized by a robust increase in frontal-midline theta power (Fz/FCz/Cz), (2) Reward Processing (Monopoly) by significant parietal and central alpha suppression, and (3) Risk Evaluation (Risk) by elevated frontal-central delta activity and TBR modulation (e.g., delta at C4, Risk > Snakes & Ladders, p=0.00038). Prefrontal TBR changes were associated with inhibitory control and metacognitive demands. These oscillatory patterns reliably discriminated all decision games from the chance-based control condition.

Conclusion:

We present a frequency–topographic atlas that links core components of decision-making to specific scalp oscillatory signatures during ecologically valid game play. The findings validate the use of game-based paradigms for cognitive neuroscience and provide a pragmatic, component-level neurophysiological reference. This atlas serves as a tool for the neurovalidation of cognitive tasks, establishing a foundation for developing targeted neuromodulation protocols (e.g., neurofeedback) aimed at specific decision-making subsystems.

Keywords:

Electroencephalography, Decision Making, Brain Mapping, Theta Rhythm, Alpha Rhythm, Neurofeedback