ERIC Number: EJ1171645
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-5441
EISSN: N/A
N400 Response Indexes Word Learning from Linguistic Context in Children
Abel, Alyson D.; Schneider, Julie; Maguire, Mandy J
Language Learning and Development, v14 n1 p61-71 2018
Word learning from linguistic context is essential for vocabulary growth from grade school onward; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying successful word learning in children. Current methods for studying word learning development require children to identify the meaning of the word after each exposure, a method that interacts with the act of learning. In this study, school-aged children (11-14 years) performed a word learning task as their EEG was recorded. The word learning task required children to identify the meaning of new words presented in sentence triplets that either provided enough context to support word learning or did not provide a supportive context. Children displayed a significant attenuation of the N400 for words for which they identified meanings compared to those for which they were unable to identify meanings. Additionally, the N400 to the final presentation of learned words paralleled that of a known real word. These results indicate that the same mechanisms related to the N400 for extracting word meaning may be associated with word learning in children.
Descriptors: Vocabulary Development, Diagnostic Tests, Brain Hemisphere Functions, Language Acquisition, Sentences, Task Analysis, Word Recognition, Correlation, Middle School Students, Statistical Analysis, Inferences
Psychology Press. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: BCS1551770