Computerised paradigms for eliciting the contingent negative variation event-related potential

This paper describes instrumentation and paradigms used to investigate cognitive Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) in both visual and auditory modalities. The hardware comprises personal computer, data acquisition interface, together with a programmable sound generator (PSG) for the production of auditory stimuli, and triggering/timing of external visual display equipment. A number of computerised paradigms for recording contingent negative variation (CNV) activity are described, and sample waveforms are presented. Current uses and applications of this technology in psychophysiological and psychiatric research are outlined.