Differences in EEG Alpha Activity Between Gifted and Non-Identified Individuals: Insights into Problem Solving

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Abstract
The study investigated differences in electroencephalography (EEG) alpha activity between gifted and non-identified students. Seventeen gifted and 17 non-identified students participated in the experiment. Their EEG was recorded while they solved four problems. Two measures were used: 1) an asymmetry index or differences in hemispheric activity and 2) the overall difference between a relaxed mental state and problem solving. The findings can be summarized as follows: First, gifted students in a relaxed mental condition showed greater left hemispheric activation than did non-identified students. In contrast, during problem solving, non-identified students showed greater left hemispheric activity than did gifted students. Second, gifted students exhibited a higher overall hemispheric activation in a relaxed mental state and exploring the problem, and a lower activation when problem solving was involved, than did non-identified students.