Basic language processes: behavioural and functional localization

我的研究项目探索了基本的语言过程(特别是那些涉及阅读和言语感知/产生的过程)，因为它们与心理模块的假设有关，既从行为/时间角度(即，使用反应时间等依赖测量)，也从空间角度(即，使用允许神经解剖学定位的依赖测量)。与这些研究项目相匹配的还有其他项目，它们致力于发展对基本阅读过程的诊断，改进功能本地化的方法，并理解语义表征的本质。目的：这项拟议的研究将阐明基本语言加工过程中的行为性质(即阶段性加工与平行加工)和神经解剖学定位(即独特的皮质加工区域与共享的皮层加工区域)。科学方法：将使用标准的单词和图片识别任务(例如，外显命名、语义判断、词汇决定)和依赖测量(例如，反应时间、错误率)来研究行为模块化问题。当参与者参与这些任务时，将使用功能磁共振成像(FMRI)来研究空间模块化问题。新颖性和预期意义：通过将认知心理学中行为技术中的加性因素逻辑应用于从fMRI血氧水平依赖(BOLD)功能中提取的参数，我们正在开发一种新的功能定位方法，该方法应该是对传统减法的巨大改进。我们还在继续开发新的数学技术，将共享的皮质功能与特定任务或刺激所独有的皮质功能分开。通过将这些融合的行为和功能方法结合起来解决基本语言功能的问题，我们预计这项研究将对认知神经科学的其他领域(探索大脑到大脑的映射问题)以及认知科学的其他领域(探索并行处理与阶段处理的问题)产生广泛的影响。

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.