Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Cook, Peter

Area of Concentration

Cognitive Neuroscience

Abstract

Though fidgeting is widespread, its purpose is not yet known. Fidgeting has been proposed to be a method of regulating sensory input, a method of releasing excess energy, or a strategy to reduce stress. Of particular interest has been the interaction between fidgeting and the processes of attention and memory. As fidgeting tends to occur in environments which necessitate focused attention and later recall of details, it is important to understand what fidgeting may do to help or harm attention and memory. Previous studies have established a mixed relationship between measures of attention, memory, and fidgeting, with a somewhat negative skew. In this study, I used a naturalistic narrative and free recall task to determine the relationship between fidgeting duration and recall in 16 participants. I used an electroencephalogram to measure the relationship between fidgeting duration, recall performance, and mean power in the alpha, beta, and theta frequency bands over the frontal cortex. No significant correlation was found between fidgeting duration and recall performance. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between alpha, beta, or theta power and fidgeting duration or recall performance. As an addition to a mixed body of results, these findings indicate that fidgeting must be studied further to determine its possible relationship with recall and attention. Possible methodological improvements and future lines of inquiry are discussed, as well as the potential implications of fidgeting for the functioning of different networks in the brain.

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