Brain potentials elicited by prose-embedded linguistic anomalies

摘要: Linguistic theories distinguish between syntax (sentence form) and semantics meaning). Correspondingly, recent studies have shown that syntactic semantic anomalies elicit distinct changes in the event-related brain potential (ERP). However, these results been obtained with highly artificial methodologies not yet generalized to more natural reading conditions. Here, we recorded ERPs while subjects read a naturalistic prose passage. The either for comprehension no other task being assigned or made acceptability judgments after each sentence. Consistent prior work regardless of subjects' task, elicited large positive wave (P600), whereas increase N400 amplitude. These demonstrate qualitatively ERP responses by are artifacts unnatural aspects previously used stimuli, thereby providing additional evidence separable processes exist.