The role of the IFG and pSTS in syntactic prediction: Evidence from a parametric study of hierarchical structure in fMRI.

摘要: Sentences encode hierarchical structural relations among words. Several neuroimaging experiments aiming to localize combinatory operations responsible for creating this structure during sentence comprehension have contrasted short, simple phrases and sentences unstructured controls. Some of these revealed activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), associating regions with basic syntactic combination. However, wide variability effects across studies raises questions about interpretation. In an fMRI experiment, we provide support alternative hypothesis: underlie top-down predictions that facilitate processing but are not necessary building structure. We presented stimuli three levels structure: lists, two-word phrases, simple, short sentences; two content: natural real words open-class items replaced pseudowords (jabberwocky). While both phrase conditions engaged combination, our experiment only encouraged prediction condition. found increased activity jabberwocky IFG (pars triangularis pars orbitalis) pSTS relative word lists did find any such areas. Our results most consistent hypothesis contrasts reflects prediction. The opercularis showed a response profile verbal working memory. incremental anterior lobe (ATL), angular (AG)/temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) - all These findings role ATL semantic combination AG/TPJ thematic processing.