ABSTRACT

An interesting picture of brain function begins to emerge as we consider data obtained from ERP studies. The brain can be considered as a highly integrated organ in which the many cortical and subcortical areas cooperate in carrying out its functions. We see this in the ERPs that develop over many areas of the brain simultaneously in response to a given stimulus. Thus, for example, topographical studies show that although occipital cortex may respond maximally to a word flashed on a screen, there is sufficient response from parietal and frontal areas to suggest that they are also involved in processing the stimulus. This chapter considers ERPs related to relatively more complex behaviors than those covered in chapter 6. Therefore, we consider some of the findings concerning the ERP and mental activities, including performance on intelligence tests, meaningfulness of material, linguistic processes, conditioning, resource allocation, and selectivity in attention. We also examine the ERP in the context of sensory, attentional and perceptual functioning, including perception of shape, color, and motion. The long-latency ERPs and steady potential shifts (e.g., P300 and CNV) are discussed in chapter 8 with regard to their observed relationships to higher cognitive activities such as preparation for events, information processing, memory, selective attention, and decision making.