Event-related potentials (ERPs) have been used to examine perceptual, cognitive, motor, and affective processes for over 50 years. Although newer techniques provide greater neuroanatomical specificity, the excellent temporal resolution and ease of acquisition of ERPs continue to be highly valuable. In addition, continued methodological refinements have made it possible to answer progressively more sophisticated questions using ERPs. In this presentation, I will describe several key methodological improvements that are now in widespread use or are on the verge of becoming widely used. This will include improved recording methods, such as innovations in electrodes that allow both fast and low-noise EEG acquisition. It will also include EEG preprocessing methods that minimize artifacts and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the ERPs. Finally, it will include multivariate pattern analysis methods that can be used to "decode" what a participant perceives and stores in working memory. Together, these new methods have dramatically increased the information that can be obtained about dysfunctional brain activity in clinical populations.

Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. 1. Evaluate and critically assess ERP studies of clinical populations that were published over the last decade, making use of advanced recording and analysis methods that are now widely used

2. 2. Evaluate and critically assess ERP studies of clinical populations that have been published recently or will be published in the near future that take advantage of state-of-the-art recording and analysis methods, such as dry electrodes and multivariate pattern analysis

3. 3. Integrate recent and emerging research findings into your research or clinical practice