Understanding Basic Reading Processes: A Behavioural and Neuroanatomical Approach

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Much work has been done to understand the underlying processes at work during reading. Yet, considerable debate still exists regarding which model best reflects the fundamental architecture (i.e., single/dual and parallel/cascaded mechanisms). Although it is widely recognized that certain factors influence reading performance (e.g., spelling-to-sound regularity, printed word frequency), there is much discussion as to how these factors influence word recognition performance. The overall objective of this proposal is to connect our knowledge of how basic reading processes unfold in behavioural, functional and structural domains, which will serve to develop a comprehensive and integrated model of reading. To do this, I am having adult participants take part in both behavioural and brain imaging tasks to gain much needed information on the contribution of lexical and sub-lexical processing. The experiments outlined in this proposal will provide answers to the 'how' question by investigating reading factors (e.g., regularity, frequency) in multiple reading paradigms (e.g., basic naming, lexical decision, go/no-go naming) using behavioural and brain imaging approaches. I will measure performance on reaction time, accuracy, the involvement of the brain and the integrity of the white matter tracts, to determine the role of lexical and sub-lexical systems under varying task demands. My expertise with behavioural and neurobiological word recognition models and approaches for integrating brain-behaviour methods will allow me to use the information from the research to build an integrated model of reading.