Practical Training: EEG and ERP

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Electroencephalography (EEG) can measure oscillatory electrical brain activity and Event Related Potentials (ERP) allow for precise measurement of the time course of brain processes. They are low cost, non-invasive methods and are widely available. For these reasons, they make a unique contribution to cognitive neuroscience. Scientific interest in EEG and ERP is growing, and results have been increasingly integrated with other neuro-imaging methods during the last few decades.

Lectures and basic literature provide an introduction for students to the basics of EEG and ERP research, EEG and ERP terminology and the possibilities and limitations of EEG and ERP. For a Midterm paper students study an empirical data article from the literature and answer questions about its EEG and ERP methods and interpretation based on lectures, basic literature and other sources. Students also study practical measurement issues, such as electrode placement and types of artefacts. Finally, students will interpret the resulting data. Successful measurement requires an understanding of the basics of EEG and ERP signal analysis techniques, such as artefact management, spectral analysis, filtering, ERP averaging, time-frequency analysis etc. Students also receive training in running an ERP experiment, including electrode application, minimising artefacts, and health and safety in the lab. A number of simple experimental paradigms will be used that provide interesting and reliable results. Data processing will include a number of common EEG analyses, e.g. analyses in the time and frequency domain.