| |
Abstract:
Various ERP studies have examined processing differences
associated with major lexical classes. The results have generally
shown two left anterior negativity components for closed-class
words (CCW) when compared to open-class words (OCW): the N280
(200-350 msec) and the LAN (400-600 msec). However, CCWs are
usually shorter and more frequent than OCWs, and since these
variables have not been matched systematically, it is unclear
whether these results reflect the effect of word class or of other
lexical properties. To untangle these factors we conducted two
multi-channel recording experiments in which twenty French
participants read sentences presented word by word. In experiment
1, CCWs were more frequent and shorter than OCWs whereas, in
experiment 2, they were matched in frequency and length. Experiment
1 replicated the classical N280 and LAN effects for CCWs, whereas
experiment 2 showed only a N280, lateralized on right rather than
left anterior sites. Moreover, in both experiments the N280
component appeared earlier for CCWs than OCWs. Given that lexical
properties were matched in experiment 2, it is possible to infer:
first, the LAN may at least in part be associated with frequency
and/or length; second, topographical differences in the N280 time
range and a delay on N280 is attributable to word class; third, the
left lateralized N280 topography may not be exclusively related to
word class effect.
|
