EEG Methods for the Psychological Sciences

Electroencephalography (EEG) has seen a dramatic increase in application as a research tool in the psychological sciences in recent years. This book provides an introduction to the technology and techniques of EEG in the context of social and cognitive neuroscience research that will appeal to investigators (students or researchers) wishing to broaden their research aims to include EEG, and to those already using EEG but wishing to expand their analytic repertoire. It can also serve as a textbook for a postgraduate course or upper-level undergraduate course in any area of behavioural neuroscience. The book is organized so as to provide an introduction to the theory, technology, and techniques of EEG data analysis along with the practical skills required to engage this popular technology. Beginning with a background in the neural origins and physical principles involved in recording EEG, readers will also find discussions of practical considerations regarding the recording of EEG in humans as well as tips for the configuration of an EEG laboratory. The analytic methods that are covered in this book include event-related brain potentials (ERPs), spectral asymmetry, and time-frequency analyses. A conceptual background and review of domain-specific applications of the method is provided for each type of analysis. Readers will also find a comprehensive guided analysis for each analytic method that includes tutorial-style instruction and sample datasets. This book is perfect for advanced students and researchers in the psychological sciences and related disciplines who use or want to use EEG in their research.