Basic language processes: behavioural and functional localization

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My programs of research explore basic language processes (particularly those involved in reading and speech perception/production), as they relate to the hypothesis of modularity of mind, both from a behavioural/temporal perspective (i.e., using dependent measures such as reaction time), and a spatial perspective (i.e., using dependent measures that permit neuroanatomical localization). Dovetailed with these programs of research are other programs that strive to develop diagnostics of basic reading processes, improve methods of localization of function, and understand the nature of semantic representation. OBJECTIVES: The proposed research will shed light on the behavioural nature (i.e., staged versus parallel processing) and neuroanatomical location (i.e., unique versus shared regions of cortical processing) of the processes involved in basic language processing. SCIENTIFIC APPROACH: The behavioural modularity issue will be investigated using standard word and picture recognition tasks (e.g., overt naming, semantic judgments, lexical decision) and dependent measures (e.g., reaction time, error rates). The spatial modularity issue will be investigated using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) while participants are engaged in these tasks. NOVELTY & EXPECTED SIGNIFICANCE: By applying Additive Factors Logic from behavioural techniques in cognitive psychology to the parameters extracted from fMRI Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) functions, we are developing a new method for functional localization that should be a vast improvement over the traditional Subtractive Method. We are also continuing to develop new mathematical techniques for separating shared cortical functions from those that are unique to a particular task or stimulus. By bringing together these converging behavioural and functional methods to address questions of basic language function, we expect this research to have a broad impact on other domains of cognitive neuroscience that explore issues of mapping mind onto brain, and other domains of cognitive science that explore issues of parallel processing versus stages-of-processing.