We’re all guilty of making mistakes in life. And, as we all know, in many cases, they’re simply unavoidable. Well, unavoidable may not necessarily be the case, according to scientists. New research at the University of Cal-Davis and the Donders Institute has yielded some fascinating results by examining brain activity before a mistake is made.
Scientists recorded brain activity in 14 students. They were instructed to hit a button when numbers 1 thru 9 flashed on the screen, but were told not to hit the button for the number 5. But forty percent of participants still hit the button, even when the number five appeared.
After analyzing the data, researchers found that prior to making a mistake alpha wave activity in the visual area of brain was 25 percent stronger. A corresponding increase was also recorded in other critical parts of the brain before the error occurred.
It’s hoped the findings can eventually be included in practical applications, such as warning devices for air traffic controllers, or similar positions where mistakes can be deadly. It could also provide new interventions for children with Attention Deficit Disorder.
The study was published in the journal, Human Brain Mapping.