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Neurocognitive Impact of Icon Styles and Semantics on Memory and Recall Speed: An N-Back Study Using EEG

Thomas-Hercules, Daniel, Palaniappan, Ramaswamy (2024) Neurocognitive Impact of Icon Styles and Semantics on Memory and Recall Speed: An N-Back Study Using EEG. In: 5th International Conference on Data Intelligence and Cognitive Informatics. . IEEE ISBN 979-8-3503-8960-9. E-ISBN 979-8-3503-8959-3. (doi:10.1109/icdici62993.2024.10810917) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:107054)

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https://doi.org/10.1109/icdici62993.2024.10810917

Abstract

This research investigates the effectiveness of icons in memory-related tasks, focusing on two icon styles—Solid and Outline—and two semantic classifications—Resemblance and Abstract. Through the N-Back task and electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, the study aims to provide quantitative insights into memory load and recall speed. Twelve University of Kent students participated in an experiment involving 1-Back and 2-Back tests, using four icon combinations: Solid Resemblance, Solid Abstract, Outline Resemblance, and Outline Abstract. Each participant completed eight tests, during which N-Back reaction times, accuracy, and EEG data were recorded using a 32-channel wireless brain-computer interface (BCI). Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test to evaluate reaction times and event-related potentials (ERPs). The results revealed no significant differences in recall speed between the Solid and Outline icon styles. However, contrary to previous research favoring Resemblance icons, Abstract icons were recalled significantly faster, particularly in the Outline style. Additionally, Outline Abstract icons exhibited a significantly smaller P300 amplitude compared to Outline Resemblance icons, indicating a higher memory load. These findings suggest that Outline Resemblance icons may offer better usability due to their lower memory load and highlight a relationship between reaction times and memory load for Outline Abstract icons. The study also employed N400 analysis to further explore the semantic processing of the icon combinations. These findings underscore the need for further research into the various dimensions of icons to better understand their impact on memory performance.

Item Type: Conference or workshop item (Paper)
DOI/Identification number: 10.1109/icdici62993.2024.10810917
Additional information: © 2024 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works
Uncontrolled keywords: Brain-computer interface, EEG, Memory load, Icon Usability, P300, N400, Recall Speed, Resemblance vs Abstract, Semantics
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science) > QA 75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Computing
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: Palaniappan Ramaswamy
Date Deposited: 31 Aug 2024 11:09 UTC
Last Modified: 19 Feb 2025 08:53 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/107054 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Thomas-Hercules, Daniel.

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CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Palaniappan, Ramaswamy.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5296-8396
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