title: Levels of processing and language modality specificity in working memory.
abstract: Neural networks underpinning working memory demonstrate sign language specific components possibly related to differences in temporary storage mechanisms. A processing approach to memory systems suggests that the organisation of memory storage is related to type of memory processing as well. In the present study, we investigated for the first time semantic, phonological and orthographic processing in working memory for sign- and speech-based language. During fMRI we administered a picture-based 2-back working memory task with Semantic, Phonological, Orthographic and Baseline conditions to 11 deaf signers and 20 hearing non-signers. Behavioural data showed poorer and slower performance for both groups in Phonological and Orthographic conditions than in the Semantic condition, in line with depth-of-processing theory. An exclusive masking procedure revealed distinct sign-specific neural networks supporting working memory components at all three levels of processing. The overall pattern of sign-specific activations may reflect a relative intermodality difference in the relationship between phonology and semantics influencing working memory storage and processing.
authors.affiliation: The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden. mary.rudner@liu.se
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rudner
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karlsson
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gunnarsson
authors.forename: Jerker
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rönnberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007802:Language; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D012660:Semantics; D012813:Sign Language; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult