The language network

The toolbox

  1. Explain in general terms what is measured by fMRI and PET studies
  2. Explain the logic of the subtraction method used in fMRI and PET studies
  3. Orient to a figure showing brain activation in an fMRI or PET study and explain which view(s) of the brain are being shown and what the colors represent
  4. Use a brain atlas to translate between XYZ coordinates and anatomical landmarks

Claim-evidence mapping

  1. Describe evidence for the following claims:
    1. The same specific network of brain regions underlies language processing in all healthy individuals
    2. Spoken languages and signed languages are processed by the same general language network
  2. Interpret new evidence that bears on the following issue:
    1. functional localization vs. functional specialization vs. functional specificity

Brain geography

  1. State the main regions of the brain that are involved in language processing, using neuroanatomical and directional terms, and locate these regions on saggital, coronal, and axial slices of the brain
Date Topic Due
Thurs 9/24 Research design: hemodynamic methods SGN p. 25-27; 31-34
Friday 9/25
Tues 9/29 Tour CFMI
Thurs 10/1 fMRI: experimental design Binder et al. 1997
Friday 10/2
Tues 10/6 fMRI: interpreting activation maps
Thurs 10/8 Sign language Petitto et al. 2000
Friday 10/9
Tues 10/13 Sign language
Thurs 10/15 Exam #2
Explanation of symbols and color-coding
Lecture slides are linked here. I will make them available the morning of the lecture.
This is a general background reading. Read this the usual way people read things, from start to finish.
This is a scientific article (primary literature). Do not try to read this from start to finish. Instead, read/survey the article using this process. Fill out a summary sheet for your own notes (summary sheets will not be graded, but they will be really helpful when you are studying for the exams). Come prepared to work in small groups to further understand the paper.
Something is due for your group project. See Controversy Investigation for more information.
Some other thing is due.
There’s an exam in class on this day. Remember to bring hard copies of any primary literature that we covered during this unit. You’re allowed to use this during the exam.

Resources