6.6: Electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs)

Question 1

The electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs) both involve recording the electrical activity of the brain.

Outline one difference between the EEG and ERPs (2 marks)

Answer 1

One difference between EEGs and ERPs is that an EEG is a recording of general brain activity usually linked to states such as sleep and arousal, whereas ERPs are elicited by specific stimuli presented to the participant

Question 2

Outline one similarity between EEGs and ERPs (2 marks)

Answer 2

One similarity between EEGs and ERPs is that they use the same apparatus

Question 3

Outline one similarity between EEGs and ERPs (2 marks).
One similarity between EEGs and ERPs is that they use the same apparatus.
Example

Answer 3

For example, they measure electrical activity in the brain via electrodes that are fixed to an individual’s scalp using a skull cap