Error-Related Activity and Correlates of Grammatical Plasticity

Abstract

Cognitive control involves not only the ability to manage competing task demands, but also the ability to adapt task performance during learning. This study investigated how violation-, response-, and feedback-related electrophysiological (EEG) activity changes over time during language learning. Twenty-two Dutch learners of German classified short prepositional phrases presented serially as text. The phrases were initially presented without feedback during a pre-test phase, and then with feedback in a training phase on two separate days spaced 1 week apart. The stimuli included grammatically correct phrases, as well as grammatical violations of gender and declension. Without feedback, participants’ classification was near chance and did not improve over trials. During training with feedback, behavioral classification improved and violation responses appeared to both types of violation in the form of a P600. Feedback-related negative and positive components were also present from the first day of training. The results show changes in the electrophysiological responses in concert with improving behavioral discrimination, suggesting that the activity is related to grammar learning.

Combined noninvasive language mapping by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional MRI and its comparison with direct cortical stimulation

“…2,5,44 Several studies assume and partially prove that human language function is organized in a complex network with the possibility of reorganization. 10,16,30,31,46,54 In this context it may be appropriate to ask whether rTMS maps language function more precisely than DCS. It is definitely easier to analyze language errors using the video data recorded during rTMS language mapping than to detect language errors in the operating room, although the neuropsychologist can concentrate exclusively on evaluating language performance during awake surgery.…”

“…11,16,17,20,42,54,76 Although we are gaining more and more information about the distribution of human language function and the associated networks, mapping is still very complex and has to be further refined. 10,16,30,31,46,54,65 Thus, there is a need to assess functional cortical organization of language function by noninvasive methods. Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is one of these noninvasive techniques.…”

An Event Related Field Study of Rapid Grammatical Plasticity in Adult Second-Language Learners

“…In a similar study, Davidson and Indefrey (2011) found P600 responses for both declension and gender violations using text materials. Davidson and Indefrey (2009b) studied the MEG response to phrase-order violations in German learners of Dutch.…”

Evidence from neurolinguistic methodologies: Can it actually inform linguistic/language acquisition theories and translate to evidence-based applications?

“…This is particularly the case because almost all of these studies involve instructed learners. In particular, learners appear to be able to learn from feedback, even if not explicitly taught (Davidson, this issue; Davidson & Indefrey, 2011). In fact, although immersion is optimal (Morgan- Short, et.…”

“…Linked to this latter topic is the question of explicit (consciously-accessible) versus implicit knowledge (e.g., Ellis, 2005, Ullman, 2004)-can the former ever become the latter-and the extent to which pedagogical interventions can impact either type (e.g., Robinson, 2005). Finally, researchers are also concerned with the effects of individual differences (in cognitive capacity, proficiency, aptitude) on the rate and ultimate success in the L2 acquisition of syntax (e.g., DeKeyser, 2012;Roberts & Meyer, 2012;Robinson, 2012). Given this vast range of theoretical topics, it is unsurprising that current neurolinguistic research has not yet been able to speak to all of them.…”