Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Comparing the Frequency Effect Between the Lexical Decision and Naming Tasks in Chinese
Published on: April 1, 2016
Is radical-by-radical reading strategy effective for Chinese pure alexia? A case study
Zhongqin Chen1, Hanyu Shao2, Mingwei Xu1
1Department of Neurology and Brain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.
Objective:
Currently, it is unclear whether a radical-by-radical (RBR) reading strategy exists in Chinese pure alexia, compared to the letter-by-letter (LBL) reading strategy in alphabetic languages. In this study, we focus on exploring the reading features of a Chinese pure alexic patient during the process of language recovery.
Method:
We investigated this issue using a series of neuropsychological tests at 4 days, 11 days, and 8 months after admission of a Chinese pure alexic patient.
Results:
The results showed that most words could not be read aloud initially by the patient. One week later, 2 clinical features were noted: RBR reading strategy and integration impairment. Finally, there were statistically significant differences in the reaction time between the single characters and compound characters, which indicated that a radical number effect may exist.
Conclusion:
Combined with the results of previous studies, the current case study indicates that there is evidence suggesting that the RBR reading strategy in Chinese pure alexia is of limited benefit, a result that appears fundamentally different from the LBL reading strategy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radicals: Electronic Structure and Geometry
Accordingly, the structure of a trivalent radical lies between the geometries of carbocations and carbanions. An sp2-hybridized carbocation is trigonal planar, while an sp3-hybridized carbanion is trigonal pyramidal. Here, the difference in geometry is...
Radicals
Radical Formation: Overview
Radicals from spin-paired molecules:
Radicals can be obtained from spin-paired molecules either by homolysis or electron transfer. While two radicals are formed in the former, an electron is added in the...
Radical Equations
Radical Formation: Elimination

