Frontal alpha asymmetry and music induced pleasure

Abstract

Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) is a neural phenomenon studied for several decades. It has been connected to approach/avoidance motivation and emotional valence. Current study investigates FAA in the familiar and unfamiliar music conditions with low-cost wireless EEG device (Muse S). FAA as well as familiarity of music is linked to dopamine response in fMRI studies. Therefore, the current study suggests that the FAA measured with low-cost wireless EEG devices could be an affordable method to measure one’s emotional state and felt pleasure. Based on previous studies this can be tested by playing subjects familiar and unfamiliar music while measuring EEG. Results of the current study suggest that familiarity of music has a significant effect on FAA and the results are more evident when the subject is listening to high valence music.