Kogel - BCI Insights

Question 1

Active BCI

Answer 1

Requires the user to perform mental task, which is then used as a command for the BCI application

Mental strategy often used in these BCIs is motor imagery: the user imagines moving a body part, then translated into BCI outuput

Question 2

Reactive BCI

Answer 2

Mental strategy of selective attention

Brain activity that occurs as a result of an individual’s voluntary focused attention on a specific external stimulus. The brain activity is recorded and analyzed

Question 3

Passive BCI

Answer 3

Do not require a voluntary performed task

The user’s brain activity is simply measured when confronted with certain tasks

Question 4

Self perceptions: Being an agent

Answer 4

BCI means being active, but brings the user’s agency of generated actions into question

BCI users have understanding of technology and its usage.

Attributing responsibility for the output to a single agent is problematic

Question 5

Self perceptions: participation

Answer 5

BCIs offer people opportunitites for social participation:

including people in research and technology development

Sense of team spirit (collaboration)

Meaningful occupations in BCI training

Question 6

Self perceptions: self-definition

Answer 6

People will define themselves and associate with the machine/technology. These aspects impact the way they present and see themselves

People may compare themselves to who they are now compared to prior to injury

May point out activities they can do/not do independently thanks to BCI

Question 7

BCI user’s thoughs on human integrity

Answer 7

People do not question human nature. More independence and autonomy

BCI use does not change the person. To engage in more tech use, or “cyborgization” is seen as an opportunity and not as a threat