Contingent negative variation (CNV) and the psychological effects of odour

Abstract

In our study we examined whether CNV [contingent negative variation] can be used objectively to observe stimulating and sedative effects of odours our experiments showed that the odour of jasmine, which is said to have a stimulating effect, increased CNV amplitude, while the fragrance of lavender, which is said to have a sedative effect, decreased our subjects' CNV CNV is a very sensitive measure for determining the effects of odours on brain electrical activity.