Hemi-Sync® Journal 1996-3 (Summer)

group, to be exposed to one of the two levels of the independent variable, and finally to have the effect of the independent variable measured. While this design maximized the isolation of the independent variable, there was no opportunity for it to exert a cumulative effect upon the dependent variable. This is an important limitation. Peniston and Kulkosky noted, "Time course analysis of the EEG effects of brainwave training revealed that increases in alpha and theta rhythms occurred gradually across the fifteen treatment sessions." Studies evaluating student performance over a period of weeks or months have also had the benefit of the cumulative effect. A logical next step might be to repeat this study with a longitudinal dimension to observe any increase in performance across sessions and to observe the effect of binaural beat audio signals on learning as well as memory. Placebo and suggestion effects were deliberately filtered out by the double-blind design. If some of the positive results of previous studies resulted from just such effects, the positive results of this study may not be as profound. Results The experimental group displayed statistically significant higher mean scores on three of the four dependent measures, allowing for the rejection of the null hypothesis for H, H,, and H,, The obtained data did not allow for the rejection of the null hypothesis with H,. Figures 1 through + display the mean scores with histograms and significance level. Control Group Mean = 14 “> Experimental Group Mean = 15.93 Control Group The Value of t (2.5) with 48 degrees of freedom, falls between a p of .02 and .01, and is considered to be statistically significant since p is less than .05. Figure 1. Word List Free Recall Mean Scores 25.04 225, 2001 ws 15.0]. 125] Control Group Mean = 12.61 = 15.04 Experimental Group Mean Hee S 10.0] Control Group" Experimental Group The value of t (1.76) with 48 degrees of freedom, falls betweeen a p of .10 and .05, and is not considered to be statistically significant since p is not equal to or less then .05. 19.0, 112 Control Group Mean = 9.46 8] Al Experimental Group Mean = 11.44 13.6) @A2OOH Aw—DON The value of t (2.83) with 48 degrees of freedom, is greater than the critical value for a p of .01, and is considered to be statistically significant since p is less than .05. Figure 2. Word List Recognition Mean Scores Figure 3. Scaled Digit Symbol Mean Scores iii --- PAGE 4 (OCR) --- HEMI-SYNC* JOURNAL 19.0, $ wal Control Group Mean = 7.69 : isa] Experimental Group Mean = 9.85 ¢ 136, 7 aL R P ° a 2 See Control Group ' Experimental Group The value of t (2.4) with 48 degrees of freedom, falls between a p of .02 and .01, and is considered to be statistically significant since p is less than .05. Figure 4. Scaled Digit Span Mean Scores Discussion The data support facilitation of memory by binaural beat audio signals as measured by the word list recall test. The results of the digit span and digit symbol tests support reports of a decrease in student hyperactivity and an increased ability to pay attention in class while using BBSs. It is reasonable to infer, given the current data, that beta frequency BBSs are helpful for those individuals seeking help in free recall memory, attention, and completion of routine tasks. The word list recall is a simple free recall test and thus was considered by the experimenter to be the core dependent variable for examining any facilitation of memory with binaural beat audio signals. The German vocabulary recognition list is more of a combined free recall and cued recall task. Surprisingly, the results for this subtest did not show a statistically significant increase in memory. Since a Latin square rotation of the tests was used, this is not a result of the order of presentation. Perhaps the associative memory mechanisms behind remembering the meanings for a novel set of words were not reinforced as strongly as the mechanisms behind the pure recall of a word list. None of the subjects knew German, and the chosen words did not resemble their English equivalents. Since previous work in the comparable task of second language acquisition has reported that BBSs improved performance, the lack of statistically significant mean scores in this case may be an artifact of the single session limitation. It would be interesting to see if the data from administering a foreign language vocabulary test would have a statistically significant outcome in a longitudinal study. The digit span subtest indicates ability to recall and repeat back a series of rote numerical digits and also an individual's ability to attend. The digit symbol test is timed. Heightened memory should facilitate higher scores due to less time spent going back to the list of symbols and their numerical equivalents. It is characterized as a performance subtest which measures the subject's ability to persevere at routine tasks. Relation of Results to Previous Research The results support the ability of BBSs to function as an effective, stand-alone form of brain-wave training. The research corroborates the observations of teachers who have reported better grades and fewer behavioral problems while utilizing binaural beat audio signals in the classroom. The data support the conclusions of previous research that binaural beat audio signals increase a subjects ability to perform free recall tasks, attend (reduced student distractibility), and persevere at routine tasks (as measured by the digit span and digit symbol subtests); three important dimensions for success in the classroom. Recommendations It would be rewarding to pursue the effect of binaural beat audio signals into broader applications. Of particular interest would be the use of binaural beat audio signals to help both ADHD and unimpaired students function at a higher level in mainstream classes. Another study seems to be in order to properly address the question of whether or not the BBSs can facilitate learning as well as memory. Finally, it would be of interest to investigate alpha-theta BBS brain-wave training in the treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse. If the results of such a study find comparable benefits to the Peniston protocol, then the social and educational impact would be wide-ranging. Conclusions Having found binaural beat audio signals to be an effective method of facilitating memory on three of the four dependent variables in this study, it may be inferred that they are a viable form of brain-wave training and could provide a portable, inexpensive method of assisting students and other individuals in memory tasks. This study suggests that the observed results with binaural beat signals in previous research were the result of the binaural beat signals and not the result of placebo effects or a confounding variable. [You may download the complete text, with all references, from the World Wide Web at: http:/ /www.monroe-inst.com /research /human-memory- kennerly.htmal ] Jo THE MONROE INSTITUTE BOARD OF ADVISORS | Laurie A. Monroe Wilson Bullard, PhD ‘Thomas Campbell, MS | | Gregory D. Carroll, PhD | Albert Dahlberg, MD, PhD Eleanor Friede Arthur Gladman, MD Helene Guttman, PhD Fowler Jones, EdD James Beal | Editor: Shitey Blley don of the Mxroe rte, are cation Woe an Suzanne Evans Morris, PhD Catoeal aid reearh acaion ses i cated to exploring ing | Joseph Chilton Pearce ala f alata a7 devairng ite | Jill Russell, LCSP Ronald Russell, MA Bill D. Schul, PhD David Stanley, MD Charles Tart, PhD Constance M. Townsend, MD Stanley J. Townsend, PhD Raymond 0. Waldkoetter, EdD Marguerite Q. Warren, PhD consciousness, offers current reporting on research and application of the Hemi- ‘Syno® technoogy in a variety of professional fields, ‘The HEMI-SYNC JOURNAL is pub- lished four times annually by The Monroe Institute, Route 1, Box 175, Faber, VA 22938-9749, Telephone: 804-361-1252. Membershipisubscripton rates from $50 to $150 per year. © 1996 The Monroe Institute. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced Send address changes to Route 1, Box 175, Faber, VA 22938-0749, iv