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Research proposal
The Impact of Pathologic Gambling Behavior on Impulsivity and
Cognitive Performance using Psychometric Assessments and qEEG

Introduction and brief literature review:

Pathologic gambling behavior, recognized as a behavioral addiction, has garnered increasing
attention due to its potential implications for cognitive functioning and impulsivity. Despite its
prevalence, there is a gap in understanding how pathologic gambling affects individuals at the
neuropsychological level (Ioannidis, Hook et al. 2019).
Recent research has shown that behavioral addictions, such as gambling disorder, share several
neurobiological similarities with substance addictions (Yau, Leeman and Potenza 2021). Studies
using neuroimaging techniques have highlighted alterations in brain regions involved in decision-
making, reward processing, and impulse control among individuals with pathologic gambling.
Additionally, there is emerging evidence suggesting that impulsivity, a trait frequently associated
with addiction, plays a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of pathologic gambling
(Minhas, Murphy et al. 2021, Arnaud, Wartberg et al. 2023).
Cognitive deficits in various domains, including executive functions, memory, and attention, have
been observed in individuals with gambling disorder. These cognitive impairments may contribute
to the persistence of gambling behaviors and hinder recovery efforts (Arafat and Thoma 2023).
The proposed study, which utilizes psychometric assessments and quantitative
electroencephalography (qEEG), seeks to bridge the existing gap in understanding how
pathologic gambling influences impulsivity and cognitive performance (Tsilosani, Chan et al.
2023). This proposal outlines a research study that aims to investigate the impact of pathologic
gambling on impulsivity and cognitive performance using psychometric assessments and
quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). By bridging the gap between behavioral addiction
and cognitive function, the present research will be potentially paving the way for more targeted
interventions and therapeutic strategies for individuals struggling with gambling disorder.

Research Question:
How does pathologic gambling behavior impact impulsivity and cognitive performance, and can
these effects be observed through psychometric assessments and qEEG?

Hypotheses:
1. Individuals with pathologic gambling behavior will demonstrate higher levels of impulsivity
compared to non-gamblers.
• Example: The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) will yield significantly higher
scores in the pathologic gambling group compared to a control group.
2. Pathologic gambling will be associated with cognitive deficits, particularly in domains
related to decision-making, working memory, and attention.
 • Example: The pathologic gambling group will perform significantly worse on the
Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Digit Span task, and Continuous Performance Test
(CPT) compared to the control group.
3. qEEG measurements will reveal distinctive patterns of brain activity in individuals with
pathologic gambling.
• Example: The qEEG analysis will show increased theta wave activity and
decreased alpha wave activity in specific brain regions associated with impulsivity
in the pathologic gambling group compared to controls.

Methodology:
1. Participants: The study will recruit a sample of 100 participants, including 50 individuals
with pathologic gambling behavior and 50 age-matched controls without a history of
gambling problems.
2. Sample size Calculation:
Detail your sample size calculation method…
3. Sampling Method:
This study will pursue Random Sampling (Simple Random Sampling). In this method, we
will randomly select participants from the entire population of interest referring to the X
clinic in Dubai in Q4 2023. This will provides a representative sample, minimizes bias,
allows for generalization to the broader population.
We will obtain a list of all individuals with a history of pathologic gambling behavior (e.g.,
from clinical records or support groups), and randomly select participants from this list.
4. Psychometric Assessments: Participants will undergo a battery of psychometric
assessments, including the BIS-11 to measure impulsivity and cognitive tasks such as
the IGT, Digit Span task, and CPT to evaluate cognitive performance.
5. qEEG Recording: qEEG data will be collected while participants engage in a cognitive task
that elicits impulsivity-related brain activity. EEG data will be analyzed to identify
differences in brain wave patterns between the two groups.
6. Data Analysis: Statistical analyses, such as t-tests and ANOVAs, will be used to compare
group performance on psychometric assessments. qEEG data will be subjected to
spectral analysis to identify patterns of brain activity.

Ethical Considerations:
Ethical considerations are paramount in our research study on the impact of pathologic gambling
behavior on impulsivity and cognitive performance. Key measures include obtaining informed
consent from all participants, ensuring they fully understand the research purpose, procedures,
and potential risks. We will prioritize confidentiality by assigning unique identifiers to participants,
securely storing data, and limiting access to authorized personnel. To minimize harm, we'll
assess and address potential emotional distress during psychometric assessments and qEEG
procedures, offering debriefing sessions and access to counseling services.
We'll communicate potential benefits of the study, such as contributing to a better understanding
of gambling behavior and its cognitive impact, while ensuring that any therapeutic or diagnostic
implications are explained clearly. Ethical approval will be sought from an institutional review
board (IRB) or ethics committee, adhering to their recommendations.

Expected Results: We anticipate finding higher impulsivity scores and cognitive deficits in
individuals with pathologic gambling behavior compared to controls. Additionally, distinctive qEEG
patterns related to impulsivity may be observed in the pathologic gambling group.
Conclusion: This research project aims to shed light on the impact of pathologic gambling on
impulsivity and cognitive performance, using a combination of psychometric assessments and
qEEG measurements. By understanding the neuropsychological underpinnings of pathologic
gambling, we can develop more effective interventions and treatment strategies for individuals
affected by this behavioral addiction.

References:
Arafat, D. and P. Thoma (2023). "Impairments of Sociocognitive Functions in Individuals with
Behavioral Addictions: A Review Article." Journal of Gambling Studies: 1-23.
Arnaud, N., et al. (2023). "Prevalence of substance use disorders and associations with
mindfulness, impulsive personality traits and psychopathological symptoms in a representative
sample of adolescents in Germany." European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: 1-15.
Ioannidis, K., et al. (2019). "Impulsivity in gambling disorder and problem gambling: A meta-
analysis." Neuropsychopharmacology 44(8): 1354-1361.
Minhas, M., et al. (2021). "Multidimensional elements of impulsivity as shared and unique risk
factors for food addiction and alcohol misuse." Appetite 159: 105052.
Tsilosani, A., et al. (2023). "Problematic social media use is associated with depression and
similar to behavioral addictions: physiological and behavioral evidence." Addictive Behaviors:
107781.
Yau, Y. H., R. F. Leeman and M. N. Potenza (2021). "Biological Underpinning of Behavioral
Addictions and Management Implications." Textbook of addiction treatment: International
perspectives: 889-910.