Neurobiology of Speech Perception in Real-World Contexts

描述（由申请人提供）：本申请的长期目标是了解现实世界中语言理解的神经机制，以及大脑如何利用上下文来帮助交流。最重要的假设是，大脑中没有固定的部分用于处理语音;相反，交际语境决定了大脑对语言反应的组织。目的1使用自然主义刺激，探讨如何功能组织的变化，随着发展的结果，在特定的刺激维度的相对显着性的变化。目标2和3使用自然和控制的刺激相结合，探索在这个组织的时刻到时刻的变化，以响应建立的共同讲话的手势（目标2）和话语（目标3）的交际环境。指导阶段的培训目标是开发用于分析和解释神经成像（fMRI和EEG）研究的先进技术，以接近真实世界的通信，获得新技术，以及发展认知神经科学的培训。这些将扩展到独立阶段，为更广泛的生成性研究计划奠定基础，并建立一个独立的职业道路，调查大脑如何在整个生命周期中利用这些和其他形式的背景。 相关性：这项研究有可能产生广泛的影响，因为它解决了大脑区域网络在近似真实世界通信的条件下如何相互作用。因此，它引入了新的方法来研究言语感知的神经生物学，这将对涉及可能难以参与更多对照研究的发育和患者人群的研究产生转化效益。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term objective of this application is to understand the neural mechanisms of language comprehension in real-world settings, and how the brain makes use of context to aid in communication. The overarching hypothesis is that there is no fixed part of the brain for processing speech; rather, communicative context determines the organization of the brain's response to language. Aim 1 uses naturalistic stimuli to explore how functional organization changes over development as a result of changes in the relative salience of particular stimulus dimensions. Aims 2 and 3 use a combination of naturalistic and controlled stimuli to explore moment-to-moment changes in this organization in response to communicative context established by co-speech gestures (Aim 2) and discourse (Aim 3). The training goals for the mentored phase are the development of advanced techniques for the analysis and interpretation of neuroimaging (fMRI and EEG) studies approximating real-world communication, the acquisition of new techniques, and training in developmental cognitive neuroscience. These will be extended into the independent phase, laying the foundation for a broader, generative program of research and establishing an independent career path investigating how the brain makes use of these and other forms of context in real-world settings throughout the lifespan. RELEVANCE: This research has the potential for broad impact because it addresses how networks of brain areas interact under conditions that approximate real-world communication. As such, it introduces novel methods to the study of the neurobiology of speech perception that will have translational benefits for studies involving developmental and patient populations that may have difficulty participating in more controlled studies.