Conceptual metaphors and embodied cognition: EEG coherence reveals brain activity differences between primary and complex conceptual metaphors during comprehension

Abstract

Because cognitive linguists assert that primary and complex conceptual metaphors are theoretical constructs with a plausible yet uncertain psychological reality, this study investigated if and how EEG coherence would differ between the two types of metaphor during comprehension. Hypothesis testing implied formalizing an algorithm of conceptual metaphor processing before collecting EEG data from 50 normal adults and looking for condition-specific EEG coherence patterns. Results confirm the psychological reality of two metaphor categories. However, they also support alternative conceptions regarding the algorithm and nature of complex metaphors, developed and discussed in this article.