Enhancing Motor Imagery Electroencephalography Classification with a Correlation-Optimized Weighted Stacking Ensemble Model

Abstract

In the evolving field of Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs), accurately classifying Electroencephalography (EEG) signals for Motor Imagery (MI) tasks is challenging. We introduce the Correlation-Optimized Weighted Stacking Ensemble (COWSE) model, an innovative ensemble learning framework designed to improve MI EEG signal classification. The COWSE model integrates sixteen machine learning classifiers through a weighted stacking approach, optimizing performance by balancing the strengths and weaknesses of each classifier based on error correlation analysis and performance metrics evaluation across benchmark datasets. The COWSE model’s development involves selecting base classifiers, dynamically assigning weights according to performance, and employing a meta-classifier trained on these weighted predictions. Testing on the BNCI2014-002 dataset, the COWSE model achieved classification accuracy exceeding 98.16%, marking a significant advancement in MI EEG classification. This study highlights the potential of integrating multiple machine learning classifiers to address the complex challenges of EEG signal classification. By achieving new benchmarks and showcasing enhanced classification capabilities, the COWSE model contributes significantly to BCI research, encouraging further exploration into advanced ensemble learning strategies.