Workshop: EEG Acquisition

Dr Germano Gallicchio

Lecturer in Psychophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience

School of Psychology and Sport Science, Bangor University, UK

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Last modified: 2026-02-24

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Overview

This workshop provides hands-on experience with electroencephalography (EEG) equipment, electrode placement, artifact identification, and real-time signal control.

Students alternate roles between experimenter, participant, and observer to develop practical competency across different lab responsibilities.

Activity 1: Identify 10-20 system landmarks and electrode positions on yourself

Identify:

  1. nasion (bridge of nose), inion (bump at back of skull), left and right preauricular points
  2. mastoid process on both sides

Discuss how you could identify Cz

Activity 2: application of EEG sensors (with supervision)

  1. Prepare the sites for mastoid electrodes
  2. Apply the electrodes for the mastoid reference
  3. Apply the EEG cap, ensuring correct alignment with midline landmarks

Activity 3: Recreate common artifacts and observe their morphology

Students work collaboratively to recreate and identify common sources of artifacts. For each artifact type, reflect on:

  • Morphology: What characteristics does the artifact show in EEG recordings?
  • Regional influence: Which electrodes show the artifact most prominently?
Type of artifact Morphology Location
Muscular activity
Blinking
Eye movements
Electrode movement
Environmental noise

Activity 4: Self-regulation of cortical activity

Participants perform activities to deliberately up-regulate and down-regulate (neurofeedback) posterior EEG alpha activity while experimenters observe signal changes.

Reminder 1: posterior regions of the cerebral cortex are implicated in visual processing

Reminder 2: alpha activity indicates cortical inhibition and is often associated with relaxed wakefulness

Hint: Close your eyes and relax to increase alpha activity. Engage in a demanding cognitive task with eyes open to decrease alpha activity.

Homework reflection

  1. Name two sources of artifacts one might see in an EEG recording.

  2. Name the four landmarks used to position the electrodes in the international 10-20 system.

  3. Based on its name, where on the head is the Fz electrode located?

  4. Based on its name, where on the head is the P3 electrode located?

  5. What is a way to increase alpha-rhythm activity in the posterior (parietal and occipital) regions?