In terms of EEG, what does the term 'sampling rate' refer to?

The term 'sampling rate' in the context of EEG refers to the number of samples taken per second. This concept is vital in digital signal processing, as it determines how accurately an analog signal (in this case, the brain's electrical activity) is captured and represented in a digital form. A higher sampling rate allows for a more precise representation of the EEG signal, as it captures more data points over a given timeframe, thus improving the fidelity of the recording and enabling better interpretation of brain activity.

Effective EEG analysis relies heavily on an appropriate sampling rate, as too low a rate can lead to aliasing and loss of critical information about the frequency components of the brain signals. By ensuring that the sampling rate is sufficient, researchers and clinicians can achieve more accurate diagnoses and insights into neurological conditions.