Estimating statistical power for ERP studies using the auditory N1, Tb, and P2 components

Summary

This methods paper estimated the statistical power available in event-related potential (ERP) research on early auditory components — the N1, Tb, and P2 — which index sequential stages of auditory processing. Using Monte Carlo simulations built from real ERP data recorded during a passive listening task, the authors systematically varied the number of trials, the number of participants, and the assumed effect magnitude across different study designs. They then quantified how these factors jointly determined the probability of detecting true effects for each component. Statistical power depended strongly on the interaction of sample size, trial count, effect magnitude, and design rather than on any single factor. The paper offers practical guidance for planning adequately powered auditory ERP studies.