Generalizability of developmental EEG: Demographic reporting, representation, and sample size

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) is vital for studying infant and child cognitive and social development.
• Reproducibility and generalizability of developmental EEG research are critical for policy, clinical, and educational applications.
• Current practices in participant recruitment and demographic reporting require assessment to ensure research integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review participant recruitment, sample size, representation, and demographic reporting in pediatric EEG studies.
• To assess trends in these practices from 2011 to 2023 across six prominent journals.
• To identify gaps and propose solutions for enhancing the generalizability and reproducibility of developmental EEG research.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review of 700 pediatric EEG articles published between 2011 and 2023.
• Analyzed data on sample size, participant demographics (race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography), and reporting completeness.
• Compared reporting practices across six selected journals.

Main Results:

• Most studies reported incomplete demographic information, a trend consistent over time.
• Median sample size was modest (51 participants).
• Samples predominantly comprised White participants (78%) from North America and Western Europe (85%).

Conclusions:

• Developmental EEG research faces challenges with underreported demographics and limited sample diversity.
• Journal-specific differences in reporting suggest opportunities for improvement.
• Recommendations focus on increasing sample size, diversity, and transparency to bolster reproducibility.