EEG or electroencephalography is a way of recording brain activity, similar to how an EKG records activity in the heart. When neurons or cells in the brain activate, bits of electricity is released which can be measured on the scalp. One reason using EEG is so helpful is that it allows us to investigate areas that an individual may not be able to tell us about directly. This is particularly valuable in studying infants and children who may not yet have the language skills necessary to communicate what they are thinking. During the session, the EEG cap, containing a series of tiny sensors, records the electrical activity in the brain. We can’t tell what the individual is thinking, but by comparing many individuals we can sometimes identify group differences. When a study member puts an EEG cap on one of our participants, it will be a little damp due to being soaked in a warm water solution, but it won’t hurt!

Wearing an EEG cap feels a little like wearing a swim cap or stocking cap. It may feel strange, but our team does its best to make sure our participants feel as comfortable as possible.

Learn more about our EEG system to get and the technical and safety specifications.