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Abstract:
How fast can a word be recognized? Studies of normal reading
indicate that word recognition occurs within 200 ms. Is there an
electrophysiological marker of word recognition that is reliably
detectable at the scalp within this time-frame? While event related
potentials (ERPs) provide a continuous record of on-going
perceptual and cognitive processing, this measure has not readily
exhibited processing differences due to lexical variables in the
early components. In the present study, high and low frequency
words and pronounceable nonwords were presented as targets for
lexical decision. Each letter string was presented for 30 ms and
was immediately followed by a pattern mask. Data were collected via
a high-density 128-channel electrode net. Responses for words and
nonwords were analyzed separately. Subjects' reactions to words and
nonwords were distinguishable in the electrophysiological record
even though lexical decisions remained at chance. Results are
discussed in terms of an early time-course of word
identification.
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