Timing Neural Processing with EEG and MEG

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Cognitive neuroscientists can currently choose from a range of different imaging methods to investigate human brain function. Each of these methods has its own strengths and limitations, which determine its suitability for studying a particular research question. Both electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are important in characterising the time course of activation of neural systems involved in perceptual and cognitive processes. These processes include auditory and visual perception, attention, language, memory and development. EEG and MEG signals reflect complementary aspects of brain activity, with MEG having some advantages over EEG in the localisation of underlying neural sources. This course provides detailed knowledge on EEG and MEG, both of which have a clear advantage over other neuroimaging methods in terms of temporal precision. The study of EEG and MEG experimental design, data acquisition and data analysis will be combined with detailed literature discussions on theoretical and methodological issues. Based on different types of empirical questions, there will be discussion of the potential of a range of methods for advanced EEG and MEG analysis, including analysis in the time and frequency domain, source localisation, the combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methods, independent component analysis and analyses of functional connectivity.