Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 664.11 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Testing the modularity of cognitive domains with functional magnetic resonance imaging. |
| Authors: |
Cerullo, M. A.*1
; Mier, C. R.1
; Joseph, J. E.1
1Dept. of Anat. and Neurobiology, Univ Kentucky, Lexington, KY |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy -- Perception and imagery |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy<br />-- Anatomy |
| Session: |
664. Perception and Imagery IV Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, October 26, 2004 10:00 AM-11:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # MM1 |
| Keywords: | PERCEPTION, MRI, VISUAL PERCEPTION, TEMPORAL LOBE |
A persistent question in cognitive neuroscience is whether localized brain regions, or a collection of brain regions, support the representation of different knowledge domains. Using previously published data available in the National fMRI Data Center database (http://www.fmridc.org), the present study explored whether brain regions that respond preferentially to one domain relative to another can be considered neural modules. The domains of interest were the representation of action knowledge, object knowledge and word form. We defined modularity by operationally defining two properties of modular systems (Fodor, 1983) -- domain specificity and mandatory processing. A brain region exhibited domain-specificity if it significantly responded to the domain of interest (e.g. retrieving action knowledge) relative to other domains (e.g. retrieving object knowledge) and a baseline task (e.g. matching visual noise patterns), and the other domain and baseline task did not produce statistically different responses. A brain region exhibited mandatory processing if it significantly responded to the domain of interest (e.g. retrieving action knowledge) across two experimental contexts (e.g with words versus pictures as input). Using these criteria, we identified a domain for the retrieval of action knowledge in the right middle temporal gyrus, replicating a finding from the original study. We also identified domain-specific responses to the retrieval of object knowledge in primary visual cortex and the left inferior frontal cortex. Finally, a domain-specific region for word processing emerged in the right medial frontal gyrus. However, none of these domain-specific regions also exhibited mandatory processing for the domain of interest, thereby failing to meet the criteria for modularity.
References
Fodor J (1983). The Modularity of Mind. Cambridge: MIT Press.
References
Fodor J (1983). The Modularity of Mind. Cambridge: MIT Press.
Supported by NSF BCS0224240, NIMH MH063817.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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