Intermediate EFL Learners’ Theta/Beta-Ratio Power Changes during Reading Comprehension

مطالعات زبان و ترجمه

Volume 57, Issue 1, June 2024, Pages 155-177   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/lts.2024.89046.1272

Authors

Mitra Zeraatpishe^{* 1}; Farnaz Farrokh Alaee¹; Farnaz Baradarn Farshchi²

¹Assistant Professor, Department of English, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

²Department of English, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

The current study aims to scrutinize the theta/beta-ratio (TBR) brain oscillatory activities during T/F test of reading comprehension. The research utilized a quasi-experimental design. Thirty intermediate EFL learners (15 males, 15 females) were selected to participate in the study. They completed T/F-reading-test, while their brain oscillations were measured using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). Results revealed significant differences between the values indicating TBR before- and while-doing the test. Similarly, the topographic findings showed decrease in TBR power on the Fz, Pz and Cz regions of the brain under the task of reading and suggested the promising role of the reading comprehension T/F test at the intermediate level in modifying the TBR power and raising internally directed attention. The study has implications for all scholars in the field of TEFL to apply interdisciplinary approaches and to highlight the importance of reading comprehension tests to enhance attention.

Keywords

Quantitative Electroencephalography; Reading Comprehension; Theta/Beta Ratio

References