“Understanding Basic Reading Processes: A Behavioural and Neuroanatomical Approach”.
NSERC funded (2012-2017).
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 work 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.
“Refining Models of Reading and Reading Impairment Using the Rapid Automatized Naming Paradigm”
Killam and SAS funded: Collaborator: Dr. George Georgiou
During Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) tasks participants are presented with a 5 x 10 array of stimuli (e.g., letters such as a, p, o, d, s) that they must name aloud as quickly and accurately as possible. Interestingly, such RAN tasks are highly predictive of reading ability and disability from childhood through adulthood. This has led researchers to conclude that RAN must rely on (at least some of) the same processes as reading; in turn, RAN must rely on (some of) the same brain areas as reading. The overall objective of this work is to connect our knowledge of how RAN and basic reading processes are associated in behaviour and in the brain.
“Acquired Alexia: Developing Evidence-Based Treatment and Understanding Neural Mechanisms of Recovery”
Collaborators: Drs. Chris Westbury and Esther Kim
Aphasia is the name given to language deficits following brain damage, most commonly strokes. Over 1100 Albertans become aphasic each year (Heart & Stroke Foundation, 2000). Nearly all individuals with aphasia exhibit some degree of reading impairment (alexia) (Webb & Love, 1983). Much of the research focus on aphasia has been on understanding deficits in spoken versus written language, probably because of the predominance of spoken language in daily activities. However, with the increasing prevalence of written and electronic communication in our daily lives, acquired reading impairments (alexia) can result in greatly reduced quality of life. The present work is focused on functional and anatomical brain imaging to assess how treatment is related to brain plasticity and brain lesion size and/or location.
“Contributions of Neural Structure and Function during a Figurative Language Task in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder”
Collaborators: Dr. Joanne Volden and Brea Chouinard
There is some debate in the literature about whether individuals with high functioning autism can understand figurative language. Using a combintation of behavioural and neuroimaging approaches, this work explores inhibition during a the early stages of metaphor comprehension, in individuals with and without ASD. We interpret the findings within the framework of the basal-ganglia model of cognitive control in an attempt to further understand some of the difficulties faced by individuals with ASD.