EEG studies
Of course, we are also interested in what goes on inside the heads of children. In our brains, there is a continuous flow of weak electrical currents. Depending on what kind of activity we are performing, there are small activity changes at different points of the head surface. They are so small that we can't even feel them. However, there are specific means by which we can measure these tiny voltage changes. The measurement of brain waves is called electroencephalography (EEG). The electrical currents recoreded on our scalp with fine sensors, the electrodes, are forwarded to a computer and registered there as a visible curve. This procedure is completely safe and not noticeable. The activity in the brain is only measured by the electrodes but not changed - comparable with a thermometer which detects the temperature but does not affect it.
For an EEG study a trained and experienced researcher will put a special cap on your child's head. Our caps are specially designed for infants. They have different sizes and are made of a soft, elastic fabric, so they are perfectly adapt to the head size and are comfortable to wear. On the cap there are electrodes, in which we fill a little conductive gel in order to measure the brain signals at the head surface. It takes a moment, but will hardly be noticed by the child. You will be with your child at any time during the process.
We then show your child short video sequences or single images and sounds that we created earlier for this purpose. With the help of EEG data, which we record continuously, we can retrospectively evaluate whether certain sequences evoke certain responses in the brain activity or not. During the study, your child will be sitting on your lap and you will be able to follow what your child sees on the screen.
The duration of the video is usually a maximum of 10 minutes. For pre- and post-processing of the EEG recording, we need additional 20-30 minutes.
At the end of the study, your child will receive a small gift as a thank you.