A biological trait that has received considerable attention is the P300 waveform, also known as P3, of the eventrelated brain potential (ERP). The P3 waveform represents the largest positive peak voltage of the event-related potential occurring between 250 and 500 ms after presentation of a stimulus.46 This component is believed to depict several aspects of cognitive function, including attention and maintenance of working memory.47 It has been suggested that diminished P3 amplitudes or shorter latencies reflect problems in attending and interpreting subtle environmental events.48,49 Research has shown that alcoholic individuals also have reduced P3 amplitude and that offspring of alcoholics with low P3 amplitude are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder.50
