Event-related potential correlates of phasic and tonic measures of the orienting reflex

We examined putative central nervous system (CNS) indices of tonic and phasic aspects of the orienting reflex (OR) in a passive event-related potential (ERP) dishabituation paradigm. Pre-stimulus skin conductance level (SCL) and the subsequent skin conductance response (SCR) were used as tonic and phasic OR “yard-sticks”, respectively. Their stimulus–response patterns were used to assess two ERP components: the tonic pre-stimulus contingent negative variation (CNV) and the subsequent phasic late positive complex (LPC). SCLs and SCRs derived from each trial of the first train presented were compatible with traditional OR studies. Across-train means were also derived for each of the four measures examined. Arousal changes, as indexed by the SCL, were weak in the CNV which showed an additional expectancy effect. The LPC showed a stimulus–response pattern across trials identical to that of the SCR. This study clarifies links between the traditional autonomic measures of the indifferent OR and its CNS correlates, and encourages an OR perspective and/or interpretation of ERP effects.