Spatial Language Processing in Blind and Sighted Individuals
Author Information
Author(s): Struiksma Marijn E., Noordzij Matthijs L., Neggers Sebastiaan F. W., Bosker Wendy M., Postma Albert
Primary Institution: Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Does the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG) activate similarly in blind and sighted individuals during spatial language processing?
Conclusion
The left SMG is activated during spatial language processing in both blind and sighted individuals, supporting the idea of a supramodal representation of spatial relations.
Supporting Evidence
- The left SMG was activated during spatial language processing in both blind and sighted individuals.
- Blind participants showed functional reorganization in the visual cortex during language tasks.
- Behavioral data indicated no significant performance differences between blind and sighted participants.
Takeaway
This study shows that both blind and sighted people use the same part of the brain to understand spatial language, even if the blind have never seen.
Methodology
The study used fMRI to compare brain activation in blind and sighted participants while they processed spatial language.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in participant selection and task performance could affect the results.
Limitations
The study's sample size was relatively small, and the findings may not generalize to all blind individuals.
Participant Demographics
14 early blind individuals and 14 sighted controls, matched for sex, education, age, and handedness.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.047 for spatial vs non-spatial sentences
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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