The Temporal Development of Early and Late CNV in a Simple Discrimination Paradigm: the Effects of Motor Preparation and Average Reaction Time

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the temporal development of early and late contingent negative variation (CNV) in a simple discrimination paradigm. The CNV typically arises when a warning stimulus is paired with an imperative stimulus which, in turn, is followed by a motor reaction. If the interstimulus interval is less than approximately 2 sec the CNV begins immediately after the positive deflection (P300) following the warning stimulus. It may appear as a steadily rising negative potential shift that reaches its peak with the presentation of the imperative stimulus, or as sustained negativity throughout the rest of the foreperiod. If the interstimulus interval is extended beyond …