Saracoglu, Basak (2025) The Moderating Role of Mind Wandering in Neuromodulation of Attention During Reading. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Alpha oscillations are linked to attentional control, a key cognitive process in reading. However, no prior research has investigated whether modulating alpha activity via non-invasive brain stimulation improves reading performance. In this study we investigated whether alpha-tACS influences attention in natural reading, and whether individual differences in mind wandering moderate its effects. 18 participants (median age= 21.5) completed a natural reading task under three stimulation conditions (left, right, sham alpha-tACS). Eye movements were recorded to measure total reading time, number of regressions and regression size. Mind wandering tendencies were measured using the 5-item Mind Wandering Questionnaire by Mrazek et al. (2013) and included in our analysis as a moderator. Our results showed no main effect of stimulation or mind wandering however a consistent interaction between mind wandering and stimulation was observed across all outcome variables. High mind wandering individuals showed improved natural reading, especially in the left tACS condition, while the low mind wandering individuals did not benefit from stimulation and in some cases performed worse. Our findings supported the state-dependent effects of alpha-tACS and emphasized the potential role of left hemisphere alpha in planning for upcoming words. Further investigation is required to confirm the moderating role of mind wandering and the association between alpha and forward planning in reading.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Dimigen, O.C. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jul 2025 13:59 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Jul 2025 13:59 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5776 |
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