Abstract:  As a nonmotoric slow potential isolated from the contingent negative variation, the stimulus- preceding negativity (SPN) progressively increases as feedback stimuli approach. Previous studies have mainly regarded the SPN as a cognitive component. However, recent evidence points to the hypothesis that the SPN may constitute an electrophysiological index of reward anticipation. Here, we justified this hypothesis in terms of reward parameters, outcome appraisal, neutral generators, and abnormal individuals, and provided some suggestions for future SPN research. We believed that the SPN provides a reliable biological marker of abnormal reward anticipation in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Key words:  reward anticipation, stimulus-preceding negativity, event-related potentials