Conceptual processing of natural, complex odours: Multisensory effects on behaviour and time-frequency EEG data

Multisensory and congruent olfactory processing has barely been investigated despite our environment providing us continuously with multisensory input, including odours. We simultaneously presented wood odours and pictures to participants and measured electroencephalography (EEG). We found that vision dominated over olfaction when it came to pleasantness. EEG results showed (in)congruent processing of odour-picture combinations and conceptual saliency in addition to simple olfactory processing. A second, independent experiment supported that results were due to conceptual processing and not mere multisensory, incongruent stimulation.