The Language & Cognitive Dynamics Laboratory seeks to understand the basic mechanisms of cognitive and perceptual processing, particularly in the domain of spoken language. We focus on spoken language because it is at the intersection of basic perceptual and higher-level cognitive processing – drawing on both and elucidating the core principles that span all of cognitive function. We use behavioral, eye-tracking, computational modeling, and lesion-symptom mapping techniques and focus on impairments of language processing in order to test and develop theories of typical language processing, to understand how they break down under impairments, and to develop better rehabilitation strategies.
Current projects examine (1) The processing and representation of semantic knowledge, particularly knowledge of object features and categories vs. the events or situations in which they participate. (2) The organization of the spoken language system by mapping the relationships between stroke lesion location and behavioral deficits. (3) Factors that influence learning and recovery of language function in post-stroke aphasia.
Language processing, semantic memory, computational models of brain and cognition, language and cognitive disorders
