Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) is an electrical potential associated with cognitive processes. However, there are several synonyms for this term that are also commonly used in scientific research. Some of these synonyms include the Bereitschaftspotential (BP) or "readiness potential" which reflects the preparation of movement, along with the stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) that is linked to arousal and expectation. Another alternative term for the CNV is the contingent positive variation (CPV), which is the reverse of the CNV and reflects the anticipation of a positive outcome. Overall, these terms are used interchangeably and help researchers to investigate the neural correlates of decision making and attention.