Here you will find a brief description of each of the seven
BrainBuilder activities. These activities form the backbone of BrainBuilder; it is by using these activities on a regular basis that you can
make the greatest strides in improving your mental capacity.
The sequential processing activities all present sequences of digits presented in various ways either to the visual or auditory system. The
program uses a sophisticated random number generator to ensure that number sequences are not repeated so the brain does not lock into a
previously recognized pattern. The auditory activities are unique in that when the digits are presented, a different acoustic voice is used
with each sequence presentation. This is so the ear and brain can tune in to voices with different pitches and tonal qualities in the sound
spectrum. Each activity also involves a valuable motor component since answers are entered into the computer either using the computer mouse
or the keyboard.
BrainBuilder Activities
Intensity Activity
The Intensity Activity is an exercise of sustained attention. Designed to get your brain into the sharper focus required to master, the
BrainBuilder activities. This exercise should be used every time you begin a new session. It helps to wake you up and raise your level of
attention. In the Intensity Activity, an eye is flashed on the screen for a fraction of a second. You should hit the spacebar as fast as
possible if the eye is open; your score is the number of milliseconds between the time the eye is displayed and the moment when you press the
spacebar. However, if the eye is closed, you should not hit the spacebar at all; doing so results in a penalty. In other words, the idea is to
respond as quickly as possible, pressing the spacebar as soon as the open eye appears, and not touching the spacebar when the closed eye appears.
Visual Base
The Visual Base Activity exercises immediate and short-term visual memory and conceptualization skills. Although simple in design and function,
this activity is one of the most important. The computer produces a random number, and after displaying it for a short time, erases it and
prompts you to enter the number in the correct sequence. The length of the number depends on the level of your advancement; you might start out
mastering four - or five - digit numbers, and eventually progress to nine or ten.
Visual Reverse
The Visual Reverse Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term visual memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. This
activity is virtually identical to the Visual Flash Activity, with the singular difference that the digits must be entered in reverse order.
In other words, the numerals in the sequence are displayed one at a time in the box at the top of the screen, and then must be entered together
in reverse order. For example, if the sequence 1-2-0-9-7-4 is displayed (one number at a time), you should enter 4-7-9-0-2-1. Like the Visual
Flash Activity, this activity offers presentation speed selections.
Visual Flash
The Visual Flash Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term visual memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. Much like the
Visual Base Activity, this activity displays a set of numerals that once the presentation is complete, must be entered in the same order as
they were given. However, they are displayed one at a time, and then must be entered together in the correct sequence. The length of the number
(how many digits it is composed of) is determined by your current level. This activity offers different selections for the speed at which the
numbers are displayed.
Auditory Base
The Auditory Base Activity exercises immediate and short-term auditory memory and conceptualization skills. In this activity, a random
sequence of digits is presented by one of eight different voices in regularly timed one-second intervals. After the sequence is given you
are prompted to enter in the numerals in the correct sequence.
Auditory Reverse
The Auditory Reverse Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term auditory memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. As in
the Auditory Base Activity, a random sequence is presented by one of eight different voices, which changes throughout the activity. After the
sequence is given, you should enter it in the reverse order of how it was read. For example, if the sequence given is 0-5-1-1-9-9, you should
enter 9-9-1-1-5-0.
Auditory Random
The Auditory Random Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term auditory memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. This
activity is identical to the Auditory Base Activity with the exception that random pauses are inserted in the presentation of the numerals.
For example, in the Auditory Base Activity, the given sequence might be 0-5-1-2, while in the Auditory Random Activity it would be 0-5---1-2.
However, the pauses don't affect how you should enter the sequence; the numerals should be entered in the same order in which they are read.
