This thesis addresses the computation and organization of conceptual knowledge. Specifically, it focuses on the recruitment of concrete knowledge during single word reading using behavioural and electrophysiological methodologies. Chapters 1 and 2 assess how number of visual semantic features listed by participants as being part of a given concept influence the speed of word meaning computation, and its neural underpinnings, providing evidence for modality-specific neural organization. Chapter 3 assesses the flexibility of knowledge activation as a function of specific task constraints, suggesting a multi-faceted approach to semantic richness is needed. Chapter 4 describes a novel application of recent statistical advances to the analysis of real-time electrophysiological data, and highlights some limitations of standard analytical approaches. Chapter 5 assesses the real-time influence of several types of knowledge on the neuroelectric activity underlying concrete word meaning computation. A timecourse of sensory-based knowledge type activation is outlined. Finally, Chapter 6 describes a novel approach whereby real-time electrophysiological brain activity is used to predict the speed of semantic decision making, providing further evidence of a highly flexible, but finely structured, human semantic memory system.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/27571 |
| Date | 09 June 2011 |
| Creators | Amsel, Benjamin David |
| Contributors | Cree, George |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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