To investigate whether age-related differences in grammar acquisition primarily reflect maturational changes in neural plasticity and pathways that support learning and consolidating of new linguistic knowledge and skills.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Geen aandoening. Een sample uit een gezonde populatie wordt onderzocht op grammaticaverwerving.
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
In the proposed study, the main study parameters are the brain activation
patterns and learning success before and after a five-day training in a new
natural grammar. The main outcomes of this study are the age-related
differences in the neural correlates of grammar learning, i.e. functional MRI
BOLD activity. We will relate those neural responses to behavioural learning
success (i.e. grammar learning abilities).
Secondary outcome
Additionally, this study aims to investigate individual language-learning
differences in relation to the primary dependent variable through several
secondary independent variables.
Secondary independent variables as predictor for the primary dependent variable:
• The proficiency of the English language: this is a composite score of three
standardized tests (vocabulary, grammar, and verbal fluency).
• Age of acquisition of the English language: a continuous variable in months,
assessed through an adapted version of the standardized LEAF questionnaire.
Secondary dependent variables that will be investigated in relation to grammar
learning abilities (i.e. behavioural scores of Icelandic grammar learning
before and after training) are:
• Grey matter structures; measured through whole brain structural MPRRAGE brain
images.
• White matter integrity; fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity will be
calculated from diffusion weighted imaging data and analysed.
• Functional connectivity; assessed through a resting-state functional
connectivity scan. This approach detects temporal correlations in spontaneous
BOLD signal oscillations while subjects rest quietly in the scanner.
Background summary
The ability to communicate linguistically is a unique human capability central
to us as social individuals. Acquiring language is easier, more automatic and
successful early in life and becomes progressively harder and more effortful as
we age. The ability to attain a new learned grammar decreases gradually during
childhood starting already around 8 years of age, and this decrease continues
throughout adolescence into adulthood. Consequently, the hypothesis emerged
that the observed age-related decrease in grammar learning ability can be
explained by neural maturation. However, surprisingly little is known about the
maturation trajectory of the neural correlates specifically involved in grammar
learning, such as medial temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex. More insight in
these neural maturational effects could explain the age-related variability in
grammar acquisition that are persistently observed in the literature. This
study aims to bridge this gap using a novel, interdisciplinary approach that
bridges the fields of second language learning, psycholinguistics, human
memory, and functional and structural neuroimaging. Here, we aim to examine the
age-related differences in brain activation patterns in relation to grammar
learning skills of children and adolescents. This study adopts a grammar
decision paradigm that allows investigating training-induced neural plasticity
changes. Training effects will be correlated with age and grammar learning
skills within the whole sample.
Study objective
To investigate whether age-related differences in grammar acquisition primarily
reflect maturational changes in neural plasticity and pathways that support
learning and consolidating of new linguistic knowledge and skills.
Study design
The proposed study uses a five-day training of a new natural grammar (i.e.
Icelandic) in a population from 8- to 18-year-old participants to assess the
relationship between age-related grammar-learning skills and neural patterns.
Study burden and risks
The goal of this study is to investigate both the cognitive and cortical
development of grammar learning. As a result, the proposed study involves
normally-developing children and adolescents. There are no risks associated
with participation in the study.
Montessorilaan 3
Nijmegen 6525 HR
NL
Montessorilaan 3
Nijmegen 6525 HR
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
• Children and adolescents between 8 and 17 years of age
• Normal or to normal corrected vision
• Normal hearing
• Willingness and ability to understand the nature and content of the study
Exclusion criteria
• History of neurological or psychiatric treatment
• History of brain surgery or epilepsy
• Any current psychological diagnosis according to the DSM criteria.
• Any acute or chronic neurological disorders.
• Pregnancy
• MRI incompatability (metal parts in upper body, implants, medical devices or medicinal plasters)
• Claustrophobia
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
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Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL66249.091.18 |