Affiliations: Institut für Psychologie II, Abt.
Neuropsychologie, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Postfach 4120,
39016 Magdebure
Note: [] Korrespondenzadresse: Dr. Jascha Rüsseler, Institut
für Psychologie II, Abt. Neuropsychologie, Otto-von-Guericke
Universität Magdeburg, Postfach 4120, 39016 Magdebure. E-mail:
jascha.ruesseler@nat.uni-magdeburg.de
Abstract: This paper reviews the use of event-related brain potentials (ERPs)
in clinical neuropsychology research. First, a short overview of basic
methodological issues is given. The main part reviews studies that explored the
information processing stages that are reflected by the ERP-components. Here,
the focus is on components that have been used in clinical neuropsychology
research (early, attention-sensitive components; mismatch-negativity (MMN);
P300; N400; lateralized readiness potential; CNV; readiness potential;
error-related negativity). For each component, examples of research relevant
for clinical neuropsychology are given ERPs are a very powerful tool in exploring information processing
deficits in patients with brain damage, and developmental or degenerative
neurological conditions. Their main contribution is the revelation of the
time-course of information processing and of the subprocesses involved in
complex cognitive activities. Thus, ERPs can provide new insights into the
time-course of information processing deficits in brain damaged patients.
Keywords: Review, event-related potentials, neuropsychology, evaluation of interventions, closed head injury
