Mathematical models of the event-related potential.

Abstract : In electrophysiology, the Event Related Potential is assumed to be composed of several underlying component wave forms. Principal Component Analysis is a statistical technique that has been used to uncover the components by analysis of the observed wave form. The mathematical assumptions behind Principal Component Analysis are examined, and their plausibility is questioned. It is pointed out that under certain conditions the component forms may not accurately be recovered by Principal Component Analysis. Under other circumstances violations of some of the mathematical assumptions does not appear to affect the accuracy of recovery of component waveforms. The points made are illustrated by an analysis of simulated wave forms constructed from known components.