Abstract
Theories of embodied cognition (e.g., Perceptual Symbol Systems Theory; Barsalou, 1999, 2009) suggest that modality specific simulations underlie the representation of concepts. Supporting evidence comes from modality switch costs: participants are slower to verify a property in one modality (e.g., auditory, BLENDER-loud) after verifying a property in a different modality (e.g., gustatory, CRANBERRIES-tart) compared to the same modality (e.g., LEAVES-rustling, Pecher et al., 2003). Similarly, modality switching costs lead to a modulation of the N400 effect in event-related potentials (ERPs; Collins et al., 2011; Hald et al., 2011). This effect of modality switching has also been shown to interact with the veracity of the sentence (Hald et al., 2011). The current ERP study further explores the role of modality match/mismatch on the processing of veracity as well as negation (sentences containing “not”). Our results indicate a modulation in the ERP based on modality and veracity, plus an interaction. The evidence supports the idea that modality specific simulations occur during language processing, and furthermore suggest that these simulations alter the processing of negation.
Highlights
When reading, it has been demonstrated that switching from a sentence primarily describing information in one modality to text describing information in another modality leads to an increase in processing cost
The goal of the current study is to explore the modulation of the modality switch N400 effect
Can matching modality information change the processing of negation? In short, our results indicate that the answer to both of these questions is “yes.” Sentences containing negation do show a modality switch effect similar to that seen with affirmative sentences
Summary
It has been demonstrated that switching from a sentence primarily describing information in one modality to text describing information in another modality leads to an increase in processing cost (the modality switch effect, Pecher et al, 2003). An N400 is a negative deflection in the ERP that begins around 250 ms post stimulus onset and peaks around 400 ms. It is typically larger across the centro-parietal electrode sites. The meanings of linguistic stimuli rely on modality specific sensorimotor information or simulations. Within this framework it has been proposed that the switching cost is due to changing from one modality specific brain system to another
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