Input to Verbal Working Memory

Abstract

Working memory uses central sound representations as an informational basis. The central sound representation is the temporally and feature-integrated mental representation that corresponds to phenomenal perception. It is used in (higher-order) mental operations and stored in long-term memory. In the bottom-up processing path, the central sound representation can be probed at the level of auditory sensory memory with the mismatch negativity (MMN) of the event-related potential. The present paper reviews a newly developed MMN paradigm to tap into the processing of speech sound representations. Preattentive vowel categorization based on F1-F2 formant information occurs in speech sounds and complex tones even under conditions of high variability of the auditory input. However, an additional experiment demonstrated the limits of the preattentive categorization of language-relevant information. It tested whether the system categorizes complex tones containing the F1 and F2 formant components of the vowel /a/ differently than six sounds with nonlanguage-like F1-F2 combinations. From the absence of an MMN in this experiment, it is concluded that no adequate vowel representation was constructed. This shows limitations of the capability of preattentive vowel categorization.

Mismatch brain response to speech sound changes in rats

“…There are a few studies in humans (e.g., MMN to sound intensity: Schröger and Wolff, 1996, MMN to sound frequency: Jacobsen and Schröger, 2001; Jacobsen et al, 2003) and also in animals (mismatch response to sound frequency: Ruusuvirta et al, 2010; Astikainen et al, 2011) that have applied equiprobable control condition. However, in studies of speech sound processing this control has mostly been ignored (see however, Jacobsen and Schröger, 2004 in humans). There is thus an obvious need for studies exploring the underlying mechanism of MMN to speech sounds.…”

Phonotactic constraint violations in German grammar are detected automatically in auditory speech processing: A human event‐related potentials study

“…This was done to exclude potential effects of remaining physical differences between the well‐formed and ill‐formed stimulus groups from the MMN computation. This procedure is commonly used in the field of MMN research, at least when investigating complex linguistic stimuli (see, for example, Bonte et al, 2005; Eulitz & Lahiri, 2004; Jacobsen et al, 2004; Jacobsen & Schröger, 2004; Tavabi et al, 2009). It has recently been proposed as “identity” MMN (or “iMMN”) by Pulvermüller and Shtyrov (2006).…”

The Five Myths of MMN: Redefining How to Use MMN in Basic and Clinical Research

“…A refocus in thinking is essential if MMN is to be used as an effectual tool in the further study of complex auditory functions in both basic and clinical domains. There have recently been a wealth of studies focused on more complex auditory processes, such as auditory scene analysis (Atienza et al, 2003; Bendixen et al, 2010; DeSanctis et al, 2008; Dyson et al, 2005; Hung et al, 2001; Müller et al, 2005; Nager et al, 2003; Rahne & Bockmann-Bartell, 2009; Rahne et al, 2007; Rahne & Sussman, 2009; Ritter et al, 2000; Sonnadara et al, 2006; Sussman, 2005; Sussman, Bregman et al, 2005; Sussman, Horváth et al, 2007; Sussman & Steinschneider, 2006; Sussman & Steinschneider, 2009; Sussman, Ritter, & Vaughan, 1998a; Sussman, Ritter, & Vaughan, 1999; Winkler et al, 2005; Yabe et al, 2001) and language processing (Aaltonen et al, 1987, 1993; Bonte et al, 2005; Brunelliere et al, 2011; Colin et al, 2002; Cornell et al, 2011; Deguchi et al, 2010; Dehaene-Lambertz et al, 2000; Díaz et al, 2008; Froyen et al, 2008; Gao et al, 2012; Hastings et al, 2008; Hisagi et al, 2010; Jacobsen & Schröger, 2004; Jakoby et al, 2011; Koelsch et al, 2005; Kraus et al, 1995; Kujala et al, 2006; Lee et al, 2012; Lipski et al, 2012; Maiste et al, 1995; Miglietta et al, 2013; Nenonen et al, 2005; Partanen et al, 2011; Peltola et al, 2012; Pulvermüller et al, 2004, 2006; Reiche et al, 2013; Savela et al, 2003; Shafer et al, 2004; Sharma & Dorman, 1998; Sharma et al, 1993; Shtyrov & Pulvermüller, 2002; Sorokin et al, 2010; Steinberg et al, 2010; Stekelenburg & Vroomen, 2012; Sussman, Kujala et al, 2004; Syzmanski et al, 1999; van Linden et al, 2007; Wang et al, 2012; Winkler et al, 1999; Winkler et al, 2003; Xi et al, 2010; Yline...…”