Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
06:49
Using Eye Movements to Evaluate the Cognitive Processes Involved in Text Comprehension
Published on: January 10, 2014
An fMRI study of processing novel metaphoric sentences
Laterality
|July 9, 2008
Summary
This study reveals that processing novel metaphoric sentences, particularly those from poetry, engages specific left hemisphere brain regions more than literal or nonsensical sentences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- The role of cerebral hemispheres in metaphor processing is debated.
- Previous studies show mixed results, possibly due to linguistic material differences (words vs. sentences, familiarity).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural networks in the left (LH) and right hemisphere (RH) for processing unfamiliar metaphoric sentences.
- To compare brain activation for novel poetic metaphors versus literal and nonsensical sentences.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Participants processed unfamiliar poetic metaphors, familiar literal sentences, and unfamiliar nonsensical sentences.
Main Results:
- Novel metaphoric sentences showed greater activation in left-lateralized brain regions compared to nonsensical sentences.
- Increased activation was observed in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior middle temporal gyri for metaphors versus literal and nonsensical sentences.
Conclusions:
- Left hemisphere regions, including the left posterior middle temporal gyri, are crucial for processing novel metaphoric sentences.
- Enhanced activation suggests greater demand on episodic and semantic memory systems for generating novel verbal associations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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...
02:34Empathy
Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:19Encoding
Information enters the brain through encoding, which is the input of information into the memory system. Once sensory information is received from the environment, the brain labels or codes it. The information is then organized with similar information and connected to existing concepts. Encoding occurs through automatic processing and effortful processing.
Automatic processing involves the encoding of details like time, space, frequency, and the meaning of words, usually done without conscious...
Automatic processing involves the encoding of details like time, space, frequency, and the meaning of words, usually done without conscious...