Module 2: Source of the EEG Waveform

Return to Full Semester Course

Module 2 Overview:

This module reviews the source of the EEG waveform from fundamentals of ERP recording to understanding the neural source.

Download Module 2

Module Navigation

Module 1: Overview of EEG/ERP

Module 2: Source of the EEG Waveform

Module 3: ERP Components

Module 4: ERPs in Research

Module 5: Experimental Design

Module 6: Programming Experiments

Module 7: Recording

Module 8: Ethics

Module 9: Data Preprocessing

Module 10: Averaging & Data Inspection

Module 11: Data Quantification & Statistics

Module 12: Data Visualization & Communication

Module 13: Final Project & Assessment

Instructor Support Materials

Units:

Fundamentals of ERP Recording

Overview: This unit is designed to introduce students to electroencephalography equipment. Can be combined with a lab tour and/or select slides from Module 7.

Learning Goals:

  • Identify the parts and functions of the EEG system
  • Explain the function of different types of electrodes and the importance of electrode configurations

Materials Included: Slides, In-class Activity

Source of the EEG Waveform

Overview: This unit is designed to provide students with a conceptual understanding of how the brain produces an EEG signal and the factors that influence the strength and polarity of the signal. 

Learning Goals:

  • Explain why EEG is most sensitive to post-synaptic potentials
  • Explain how postsynaptic potentials create a neural dipole
  • Explain the factors that affect the summation of neural dipoles
  • Explain how location and orientation of dipoles affect distribution of voltage on the scalp
  • Predict how a change in dipole location or orientation affects the EEG waveform

Materials Included: Slides, In-Class Activity, Take-home Activity