Cognitive Processing of Cryptography Concepts: An fMRI Study

Abstract

and a Master of Science degree in Information Technology from SFU. His research covers interdisciplinary domains of information visualization, visual analytics, digital media, and human computer interaction. He seeks to design, model, and construct new forms of interaction in visualization and system design, by which the system can minimize its influence on design and analysis, and become a true free extension of human's brain and hand. Purdue University AbstractThis study investigated the effects of using Model Eliciting Activities that build representational fluency on the cognitive processing of selected cryptography concepts. The study used an experimental design where in the control group the cryptography concepts were taught to 5 participants using two representational forms (language and mathematics) and in the treatment group the same concepts were taught to 5 participant using four representational forms (language, mathematics, graphic and concrete). Cognitive processing was measured using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to determine where in the brain cryptography concepts are processed and whether the use of MEAs focused on representational fluency impacted cognitive processing of cryptography concepts. fMRI image data were gathered from five volunteers by presenting multiple choice questions to the students visually and recording their responses while they were undergoing fMRI scanning. fMRI image analysis from the postcourse scans showed common areas of brain activation among the ten fMRI participants that differed based on whether the questions were presented using language, math, or graphical representational forms. This paper discusses the differences in brain activation patterns resulting from each representation, as well as a direction for future work measuring cognitive processing of cryptography concepts in multiple representational forms.