The current study was designed to clarify the psychological
functions most closely associated with frontal brain asymmetry.
Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded from 60 participants
while they performed a delayed reaction time (RT) task
that included manipulations of incentive, expectancy, and
response. Significant alpha asymmetry effects were reflected
in topographic differences across anterior EEG sites. Variations
in monetary incentives resulted in parametric changes in
anterior frontal alpha asymmetry. Manipulations of outcome
expectancies were related to mid-frontal EEG changes that
differed for men and women. Varied response requirements
were related to central asymmetry patterns. Taken together,
the findings suggest that regionally specific patterns
of frontal asymmetry are functionally related to particular
aspects of approach–withdrawal tendencies involved
in the temporal guidance and regulation of goal-directed
behavior.