Contingent negative variation (CNV) influenced by preceding slow potential shifts (pSPSs).

The study was undertaken to elaborate the influence of slow potential shifts preceding S1 on the CNV. Eighteen subjects participated in a forewarned reaction time task. The EEG was recorded from F3, F4, Cz, P3 and P4 referred to linked mastoids. Selected averages of EOG-corrected trials with negative, positive and no shifts greater than 8 microV - within 2 sec before S1 at the respective location - were compared. Results showed greater CNV after positive shifts compared to negative shifts (P less than 0.05) and no significant interaction with location. Slow potential shifts before S1 did not affect reaction time. Evidence of a baseline effect is discussed as a ceiling effect as well as an expression of an active regulatory mechanism responsible for a desired activation at S2. As slow potentials may also interact with task conditions, it is suggested first to control the baseline in order to obtain reliable CNV measures, and secondly to use baseline effects as a tool to get insight into brain regulatory mechanisms.