Evoked-potential correlates of stimulus uncertainty

Science. 1965 Nov 26;150(3700):1187-8. doi: 10.1126/science.150.3700.1187.

Abstract

The average evoked-potential waveforms to sound and light stimuli recorded from scalp in awake human subjects show differences as a function of the subject's degree of uncertainty with respect to the sensory modality of the stimulus to be presented. Differences are also found in the evoked potential as a function of whether or not the sensorymodality of the stimulus was anticipated correctly. The major waveform alteration is in the amplitude of a positive-going component which reaches peak amplitude at about 300 milliseconds.

MeSH terms

  • Electroencephalography*
  • Hearing*
  • Humans
  • Psychophysiology
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology*