Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
14:43
Universal Screening for Prevention of Reading, Writing, and Math Disabilities in Spanish
Published on: July 18, 2020
Letter selection and letter assembly in acquired dysgraphia
Irene P Kan1, Iftah Biran, Sharon L Thompson-Schill
1Department of Psychology, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, USA. ikan@bu.edu
Summary
This study investigated the graphemic buffer in a patient with acquired dysgraphia, finding it has two parts: letter selection and letter assembly. The patient
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurolinguistics
- Psychology
Background:
- The graphemic buffer is a key component of the spelling mechanism, acting as short-term memory for letter production.
- Previous research has not detailed the internal components of the graphemic buffer.
Observation:
- A patient with acquired dysgraphia performed two spelling tasks designed to differentiate letter selection and letter assembly.
- In the selection task, the patient identified correct letters without needing serial order.
- In the assembly task, the patient arranged given letters but struggled with serial order.
Findings:
- The patient's spelling improved when letter position information was provided (selection task).
- The patient did not benefit from receiving letter identity information (assembly task).
- These results suggest dissociable functions within the graphemic buffer.
Implications:
- The graphemic buffer likely comprises distinct letter selection and letter assembly processes.
- Understanding these components can inform therapeutic strategies for dysgraphia.
- This research contributes to the cognitive models of written language production.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
01:27Language and Cognition
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
01:28Lateralization
Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.
01:23Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are cognitive tools that facilitate memory retention by linking new information to familiar patterns or organizational strategies. These techniques are beneficial for remembering complex or lengthy sets of information by simplifying and structuring them in easily retrievable ways.
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...