EEG tutorials

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures the brain waves or the electrical activity in the cortex via small metal discs or electrodes placed on the surface of the scalp. When EEG is time-locked to a specific event or stimulus (e.g., word, sound, image), we get ERPs. We look at the timing, size and other properties of different ERP components as an index of different neurocognitive processes.

I. Capping and data collection

In this tutorial, participants will get a brief overview of the system, and will practice capping and recording EEG data.

After a brief introduction to EEG methodology, we will be in the EEG lab where participants get to collect EEG data. This includes the following steps: putting an electrode cap on the head of a participant, putting in gel inside the electrodes, optimizing the connection by bringing down impedance levels, running a PsychoPy experiment and collecting data, going through and discussing the continuous EEG during data collection, saving the file, etc. Participants will take turns and act as the test person. We will start by going through the basics of EEG methodology and how it can be used in research.

No previous knowledge of EEG is required.

A whole day would be required for more than 3 participants in the workshop. In case of a whole day event, participants will be divided into two groups. The workshop will be cancelled with less than two participants.

II. Data processing and plotting

In this tutorial, participants will work with a pre-existing dataset and will go through the different steps involved in the processing of EEG data and plotting ERPs.

After a brief introduction to EEG methodology, we will work with a pre-existing dataset and go through the different steps involved in processing raw EEG data and converting it to ERP waves. We will cover two pipelines, one manual pipeline using EEGLAB and one automatic pipeline using MATLAB and Python scripts. The course does not cover statistical analysis of EEG data but can include a short overview of this step if time allows.

Pre-requisites

• Participants are expected to have taken part in EEG tutorial I or have a basic understanding of EEG methodology and how EEG data is collected.
• Basic knowledge of MATLAB and Python is beneficial but not necessary.
• Participants should have their own computers with MATLAB, Python and EEGLAB installed (instructions will be sent prior to the meeting).
   

For info and applications, contact sara.farshchihumlab.luse