The objective of the proposed study is to determine whether the neural mechanisms of word learning change with age. In line with this, we aim to investigate whether the activity of brain regions in this L2 word learning process relate to neural…
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Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
None, this research will be conducted with healthy participants to investigate word learning.
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
In the proposed study, the main study parameters are the brain activation
patterns of two fMRI tasks that probe language learning. The main outcomes of
this study are the age-related differences in the neural correlates of language
learning i.e. functional MRI BOLD activity. We will relate those neural
responses to behavioural word learning & artificial language learning success.
Secondary outcome
In addition to the primary study parameters/outcomes, we will relate the
maturational status of the participants* brain to both the activation patterns
of the fMRI tasks and the behavioural assessments examining language and
cognitive abilities.
Maturation of the brain will be assessed using measures of white matter
integrity, such as fractional anisotropy, as well as indices reflecting
cortical structure, such as cortical thickness.
The behavioral assessments will include variables like first and second
language proficiency in vocabulary and more general language related abilities
like verbal fluency.
Background summary
Successful second language learning is becoming increasingly important in
today*s ever more connected world. To date, the reason why second language
learning becomes more difficult during one*s teens is not fully elucidated.
Words are one aspect of a second language that can be learned with relative
ease, especially when compared to the phonology or grammar of a second
language. Behaviourally, evidence exists suggesting that how words are learned
shifts during development. However, surprisingly little is known about this
change in the neural mechanisms underlying word learning across development.
Potentially, the differentially protracted development of brain regions
supporting word learning play a role in this shift. New insights into this
developmental process could elucidate the mechanisms that allow both children
and adults to be good word learners in their own right. The proposed study aims
to take an interdisciplinary approach bridging the fields of psycholinguistics,
human memory and developmental cognitive neuroscience to answer this question.
Here, we aim to examine the age-related differences in brain activation in
relation to word learning and linguistic knowledge acquisition in children,
adolescents and adults.
Study objective
The objective of the proposed study is to determine whether the neural
mechanisms of word learning change with age. In line with this, we aim to
investigate whether the activity of brain regions in this L2 word learning
process relate to neural patterns of activity during artificial language
learning.
Study design
The proposed study uses two fMRI tasks investigating word learning in
participants between the ages of 8 and 30 to assess the relationship between
age-related word learning skills and neural patterns.
Study burden and risks
The goal of this study is to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying word
learning across development in neurotypical children, adolescents and adults.
Due to the child-friendly study design of the tasks used, there are only
negligible risks associated with participation in the study.
Kapittelweg 29
Nijmegen 6525 EN
NL
Kapittelweg 29
Nijmegen 6525 EN
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
-Healthy children, adolescents and adults between 8 and 30 years of age
-Normal/ corrected to normal 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
medial plasters)
-Claustrophobia
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL72058.091.19 |