EEG lab procedure

Most of our EEG experiments are conducted in our on-site EEG laboratory. In those experiments, people usually get a relatively simple task, such as "carefully listen to these stories" or "give your opinion on these written statements" -- the specific task(s) will depend on the purpose of the study.

However, in any EEG experiment, you'll encounter some things that are standard. In the below, we give an impression of the standard procedure.

The electrode cap is being prepared for the session

The cap is fitted over the participant’s head, and electrodes are filled with gel

The participant is seated in the recording cabin, and after reading some instructions, is ready to go

The researcher checks the EEG signals

The experiment can begin

During the experiment, the EEG signals are carefully monitored

We also keep an eye on the participant, and can communicate via intercom

After the experiment, the cap is removed, and participants can wash their hair in a special mini-bathroom downstairs

There's usually a debriefing afterwards, sometimes there's an additional survey to be filled in, and you'll have the opportunity to tell us how you felt about the experiment. And that's it!

For participants, a typical session lasts about 3 hours, with the actual experiment usually taking some 1 to 1.5 hours. After the experiment, the experimenter has yet another hour or so to go, in part because the electrode cap needs to be cleaned with a disinfectant.