Impact of EEG Reference Schemes on Event-Related Potential Outcomes: A Corollary Discharge Study Using a Talk/Listen...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Auditory Neuroscience
• Speech-Auditory System Research

Background:

• Event-related potential (ERP) studies are crucial for understanding the speech-auditory system.
• The Talk/Listen ERP paradigm non-invasively explores the corollary discharge phenomenon.
• EEG reference schema selection significantly influences ERP study outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different EEG reference schemas on ERPs in the Talk/Listen paradigm.
• To compare linked mastoids (LM), common average reference (CAR), and reference electrode standardization technique (REST).
• To determine the most objective and reliable reference for speech-auditory system research.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis (ANOVA) of N1 ERP amplitudes.
• Statistical parametric scalp mapping (SPSM) to visualize activity.
• Source localization techniques to identify neural origins.

Main Results:

• Significant main effects of reference and experimental condition on N1 ERP amplitude.
• LM reference showed pronounced frontocentral activity.
• CAR and REST references revealed frontocentral and occipitotemporal activity, with source analysis supporting their objectivity.

Conclusions:

• EEG reference choice critically affects N1 ERPs in Talk/Listen paradigms.
• CAR and REST references provide more objective and reliable results compared to LM.
• CAR and REST are recommended for future Talk/Listen ERP studies.