Lamb, Sydney M.2009-06-042009-06-042006Novak, Barbra Jean. "Cortical processing of real words, pseudowords and nonwords as measured by magnetoencephalography." (2006) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18951">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18951</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18951The research described here involved a study of cortical responses to real words, pseudowords and nonwords as measured by magnetoencephalography (MEG). Multiple subjects were tested in order to investigate inter-subject variability. Each subject was tested multiple times in order to investigate the reliability of MEG for this type of study. The reliability of MEG as a measure of linguistic processing has not previously been fully established. Consistent cortical activation patterns at the group level were found across 5 replications of the task, indicating that MEG is a reliable measure of language processing. Furthermore, real words, pseudowords, and nonwords elicited different cortical activation patterns. Specifically, only the phonotactically acceptable real words and pseudowords elicited left-lateralized middle temporal gyrus (MTG) activity. Additionally, the phonological processing demands required by the task underscore the importance of the insula in phonological processing.146 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.LinguisticsNeurosciencesBiologyLanguageThesisTHESIS LING. 2006 NOVAK