title: Word-decoding as a function of temporal processing in the visual system.
abstract: This study explored the relation between visual processing and word-decoding ability in a normal reading population. Forty participants were recruited at Arizona State University. Flicker fusion thresholds were assessed with an optical chopper using the method of limits by a 1-deg diameter green (543 nm) test field. Word decoding was measured using reading-word and nonsense-word decoding tests. A non-linguistic decoding measure was obtained using a computer program that consisted of Landolt C targets randomly presented in four cardinal orientations, at 3-radial distances from a focus point, for eight compass points, in a circular pattern. Participants responded by pressing the arrow key on the keyboard that matched the direction the target was facing. The results show a strong correlation between critical flicker fusion thresholds and scores on the reading-word, nonsense-word, and non-linguistic decoding measures. The data suggests that the functional elements of the visual system involved with temporal modulation and spatial processing may affect the ease with which people read.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America.
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Holloway
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America.
authors.forename: José E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Náñez
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California - Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Aaron R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Seitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005425:Flicker Fusion; D006801:Humans; D008037:Linguistics; D008297:Male; D011932:Reading; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult