A Role for Visual Memory in Vocabulary Development: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Literature examining the role of visual memory in vocabulary development during childhood is limited, despite it being well known that preverbal infants rely on their visual abilities to form memories and learn new words. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis utilised a cognitive neuroscience perspective to examine the association between visual memory and vocabulary development, including moderators such as age and task selection, in neurotypical children aged 2- to 12-years. Visual memory tasks were classified as spatio-temporal span tasks, visuo-perceptual or spatial concurrent array tasks, and executive judgment tasks. Visuo-perceptual concurrent array tasks expected to rely on ventral visual stream processing showed a moderate association with vocabulary, while tasks measuring spatio-temporal spans expected to be associated with dorsal visual stream processing, and executive judgments (central executive), showed only weak correlations with vocabulary. These findings have important implications for all health professionals and researchers interested in language, as they can support the development of more targeted language learning interventions that require ventral visual stream processing.

Vocabulary and automatic attention: The relation between novel words and gaze dynamics in noun generalization

“…This latter possibility fits with Vales and Smith's (2015) proposal that the influence of names on preschoolers’ visual search (Vales & Smith, 2015), visual sampling (Carvalho et al., 2018), and object identification (Vales & Smith, 2018), stems from improved working memory representations of visual stimuli created when names are provided. However, while the contribution of working memory to vocabulary development is well established, the more specific contribution of visual working memory requires more investigation (Pickering et al., 2021).…”

“…However, while the contribution of working memory to vocabulary development is well established, the more specific contribution of visual working memory requires more investigation (Pickering et al, 2021).…”

Age-related decrease in motor contribution to multisensory reaction times in primary school children

“…Most multisensory processes, that are initiated by simple bottom-up information rapidly become familiar and automatized with practice, are underpinned and constantly being modulated by multiple neural networks including many subcortical brain regions as well as primary cortical and multiple secondary sensory processing areas ( Pickering et al, 2021 ). Neurons responsive to information from multiple sensory systems have been identified in the brainstem Superior Colliculus (SC) region ( Stein and Meredith, 1993 ; Driver and Noesselt, 2008 ) and in the thalamic pulvinar nucleus ( Andersen et al, 1997 ; Driver and Noesselt, 2008 ; Froesel et al, 2021 ).…”