Raster Plot

A raster plot displays spike times as tick marks arranged in rows (one row per trial), aligned to a reference event such as a stimulus onset.

Why it matters: Raster plots reveal trial-by-trial variability in neural responses that PSTHs average out. They show whether responses are precisely time-locked, variable across trials, or show adaptation over time.

Usage: Raster plots are typically displayed alongside PSTHs — the raster shows individual trial timing, while the PSTH shows the average firing rate profile.

Interpretation: Vertically aligned tick marks indicate precise, reliable timing. Scattered ticks indicate variable responses. Systematic drift across trials may indicate adaptation or changes in behavioral state.