Age-related differences in beta engagement during single word processing. Issue 10 (26th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Middleton, Anna E.; Schneider, Julie M.; Maguire, Mandy J.
• Is Part Of: Language, cognition and neuroscience. Volume 32:Issue 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1250
• Page End: 1260
• Publication Date: 2017-11-26
• Subjects: EEG -- beta -- motor processing -- semantic embodiment -- time frequency; Psycholinguistics -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Psycholinguïstiek; Cognitieve processen; Linguistics; Neurosciences; Psycholinguistics; Periodicals; 401.9
• DOI: 10.1080/23273798.2017.1297841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2327-3798

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Linguistic processing involves the activation of many underlying conceptual features, including semantic and sensori-perceptual information, a process referred to as semantic motor embodiment. Studies of motor embodiment report activation in motor regions when processing action-related language in both adults and children. Electrophysiological studies implicate neural oscillations in the beta range (12–30 Hz) as reflecting motor processing when adults process motor-related language (e.g. man-made objects, action verbs), but these have yet to be studied in children. The current study investigates beta responses within the noun category, specifically comparing processing of animal words to action-related object words in adults and children (7–9 years). Results revealed that adults selectively engage the beta range when processing motor semantic features, whereas children show no differential engagement in beta across word type. Findings suggest that although children show some evidence of embodiment for motor features of language, they may be retrieving this information differently than adults.