Spatial Distribution of the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) and the Relationship between CNV and Reaction Time |
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Authors: | Demetrios Papakostopolous Bernard Fenelon |
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Institution: | Burdeu Neurological Institute, Bristol, England |
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Abstract: | Multichannel recording of scalp CNV (Contingent Negative Variation) and RT (Reaction Time) was carried out on 12 normal adult Ss in a fixed foreperiod RT experiment. Single trial responses were stored on digital tape and averaged off-line. Strict control over eye movement artifact was exerted through fixation techniques coupled with mechanical and electro-oculographic monitoring of movement. Analysis of single-trial data gave an intra-individual picture of correlation apparently in conflict with the across picture gained from averages. A rationalization is attempted of these results and some evidence is offered that, in the individual S, a negative and probably nonlinear relationship holds between CNV amplitude and RT. Analysis of average data demonstrates the distribution of CNV across the scalp and shows a lack of correlation between CNV and RT in prefrontal areas, in contrast with that found in central-parietal areas. It is suggested that the CNV is an index of functionally different processes in these areas. |
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Keywords: | CNV Reaction time |
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