Poster Title
Faculty Sponsor, if applicable
Sandra Virtue
Project Abstract
In this study, we investigated how the cerebral hemispheres process information during anagram resolution. Participants received two sentences that primed readers towards one of two possible anagram solutions or that did not prime readers toward a solution. Each anagram was presented for a varying amount of time (determined by a pilot study) and then a solution or non-solution was presented quickly to either the left visual field-right hemisphere or the right visual field-hemisphere. Response times to the solutions were then analyzed. In general, we predict that response times and accuracy to the solutions will increase when a priming sentence proceeds the anagram. Two theoretical frameworks make opposing predictions for hemisphere processing. The Fine-Coarse Semantic Coding Theory predicts that there will be a right hemisphere advantage for processing anagrams when preceded by a priming sentence, however, The Causal Constraint Theory predicts that there will a left hemisphere advantage for processing anagrams when preceded by a priming sentence and a right hemisphere advantage when preceded by a non-priming sentence. In summary, these results will provide valuable insight into the specific roles of the left and right hemispheres when individuals solve anagrams.
Type of Research
Junior Year Experiential Learning (JYEL)
Preview
Presentation Year
May 2019