We have recently demonstrated encoding of task-specific information for individual hippocampal neurons recorded in rats (Hampson et al. J Neurosci 22:RC198, 2002) as well as in nonhuman primates (Hampson et al. SFN Abstr. v28, 2002). By assessing neural activity on single trials using linear discriminant analyses it was possible to detect on-line neural patterns indicative of correct or incorrect decisions. These procedures were used to implement a closed feedback loop tied directly to task parameters to enhance cognitive performance. The on-line discriminant analyses demonstrated patterns of neural firing that correlated to specific behavioral and/or cognitive events. Multiple neuron activity was represented as a “waterfall” display in which recurring spatiotemporal firing patterns could be observed in real time. These patterns were reliably detected and identified (80-85%) on single trials using analysis templates derived from neural activity recorded in previous sessions. Two methods for “closing the lo...