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Laterality in metaphor processing: A unique role of the right hemisphere?

Wehebrink, K.S. (2013) Laterality in metaphor processing: A unique role of the right hemisphere?

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Abstract:Previous EEG studies revealed conflicting results regarding the lateralization of metaphor processing. Some studies showed more right hemisphere activation whereas others indicated just the opposite. The aim of the following study was to investigate the hemispheric differences of metaphor processing in native Dutch speakers. Furthermore, involved brain regions should be identified. EEG measures were used in order to examine the possible differences by analyzing ERP’s. Participants were confronted with three different sentence types on a computer screen: metaphorical, literal and anomal. Their task was to decide to which of the three categories they belonged. The results indicated that reading metaphorical and anomal sentences, in contrast to literal ones, leads to a higher N400 component. Greater activation in the right frontal, central, and more temporal region and higher left posterior activation was found in the metaphorical and anomal condition. Source analysis showed higher right activation in the frontal region and higher left activation in temporal region in the metaphorical and anomal condition. In the occipital region, higher left activation was found in all three conditions. These results contradict the belief of a predominant role of the right hemisphere and implicate that both hemispheres are engaged in metaphor processing.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/64198
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