Another study using a working memory continuous performance task and a principal component analysis approach in analyzing ERPs examined attention and working memory processes (Crego et al., 2009). They reported increased N2 components for matching stimuli in binge drinkers, interpreting these findings as more effortful processing in the performance of the task. They also reported no P3 amplitude differences between the matching and non-matching conditions in binge drinkers, indicating a deficit in differentiating relevant and irrelevant processes. Employing a similar task in a later study, they revealed reduced amplitudes of the late positive complex in binge drinkers when compared to controls (Crego et al., 2010). This was also associated with hypoactivation of right anterior prefrontal cortex, determined using source localization with eLORETA (exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography).
