Event-related potentials to odor stimuli

Abstract

Fifteen subjects participated in a study designed to record event-related potentials (ERPs) to various concentrations of the odorant n-butyl alcohol. Subjects pressed a response key upon detection of the odor, while ERPs were recorded from nine electrode positions. Results indicated a concentration-dependent increase in amplitude of a P300-like component 320–520 msec following the stimulus onset. Correlations between subjects’ sensory thresholds and activity at frontal electrode sites were also found. The absence of early ERP components is discussed. © 1993, Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.