Home › Neuroscience › Investigating Social Cognition in Infants and Adults Using Dense Array Electroencephalography (dEEG)
Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Investigating Social Cognition in Infants and Adults Using Dense Array Electroencephalography (dEEG)

DOI: 10.3791/2759-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Apply HydroCel Geodesic Sensor Net for high-density EEG recording in infants and adults
  • ✓ Measure and optimize electrode impedances for reliable neural signal acquisition
  • ✓ Conduct baseline and task-based EEG recordings to assess social cognitive function
  • ✓ Interpret dense array EEG results for social cognition research
Protocol

Dense array electroencephalography is being used increasingly to study social cognitive functions in infants and adults. Here we present an established methodology that represents a significant improvement on conventional methodologies for studying EEG in infants and adults.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~45–90 min per participant (setup, net application, impedance check, baseline, experimental task)

Steps

1
Prepare experimental setup and exchange information

Set up the dEEG recording environment and conduct informed consent/participant briefing to ensure understanding of the protocol and comfortable participation.

▶ 01:50
2
Prepare for HydroCel Geodesic Sensor Net application

Measure participant head circumference and select the appropriately sized sensor net; prepare conductive gel and ensure all equipment is ready for electrode placement.

▶ 03:23
3
Apply HydroCel Geodesic Sensor Net to participant

Carefully position and secure the sensor net on the participant's head, ensuring proper electrode contact and even distribution across the scalp for optimal signal acquisition.

▶ 04:39
4
Measure and optimize electrode impedances

Check electrode impedance levels using the dEEG system software and adjust net positioning or conductive gel application as needed to achieve acceptable impedance thresholds.

▶ 06:55
5
Record baseline neural activity without stimulation

Obtain a resting or baseline EEG recording from the participant to establish a comparison point for social cognitive task data.

▶ 09:02
6
Execute experimental social cognition task

Administer the social cognitive stimulus or paradigm (e.g., biological motion, face processing, social interaction) while recording continuous dEEG data.

▶ 10:10
7
Analyze and interpret dense array EEG results

Review recorded neural data, identify event-related potentials or oscillatory activity related to social cognition, and compare against baseline to extract meaningful findings.

▶ 11:37
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