Skip to main content

Analysis of Cognitive Load for Language Processing Based on Brain Activities

  • Conference paper
Neural Information Processing (ICONIP 2013)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNTCS,volume 8226))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

The present study attempted to investigate the role of memory or cognitive load in language processing using an EEG. Twelve healthy righthanded male adults were asked to read a story twice and their brain activities were recorded using an EEG: (i) focusing on meaning of the content only (M) and (ii) focusing on both meaning and form or grammar (M+F). The results demonstrated significant differences in upper alpha and upper beta bands according to reading instructions, which indicates different degrees of cognitive load. The findings make a significant contribution to language acquisition in that they offer valuable information regarding memory and cognitive load in language processing. Thus, they help language researchers and educators in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) develop more effective ways of instructional design and in turn lead their students to better learning outcomes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Sweller, J.: Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science 12(2), 257–285 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Al-Shehri, S., Gitsaki, C.: Online reading: A preliminary study of the impact of integrated and split-attention formats on L2 students’ cognitive load. ReCALL 22(3), 356–375 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Akbulut, Y.: Effects of multimedia annotations on incidental vocabulary learning and reading comprehension of advanced learners of English as a foreign language. Instructional Science 35(6), 499–517 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Paas, F., Renkl, A., Sweller, J.: Cognitive load theory and instructional design: Recent developments. Educational Psychologist 38, 1–4 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Paas, F., Tuovinen, J.E., Tabbers, H., Van Gerven, P.W.M.: Cognitive load measurement as a means to advance cognitive load theory. Educational Psychologist 38, 63–71 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Paas, F., Renkl, A., Sweller, J.: Cognitive load theory: Instructional implications of the interaction between information structures and cognitive architecture. Instructional Science 32, 1–8 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Gevins, A., Smith, M.E., McEvoy, L., Yu, D.: High-resolution EEG mapping of cortical activation related to working memory: Effects of task difficulty, type of processing, and practice. Cerebral Cortex., 374–385 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Gevins, A., Smith, M.E., Leong, H., McEvoy, L., Whitfield, S.: Monitoring working memory load during computer-based tasks with EEG pattern recognition methods. Human Factors 40(1), 79–91 (1998)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Röhm, D., Kilmesch, W., Haider, H., Doppelmayr, M.: The role of theta and alpha oscillations for language comprehension in the human electroencephalogram. Neuroscience Letters 310, 137–140 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Sweller, J.: Instructional Design in Technical Areas. ACER Press, Melbourne (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Klimesch, W., Schimke, H., Ladurner, G., Pfurtscheller, G.: Alpha frequency and memory performance. Journal of Psychophysiology 4, 381–390 (1990)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Park, H., Choi, S., Lee, M.: Visual input enhancement, attention, grammar, & reading comprehension: An eye movement study. English Teaching 67(4), 241–265 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Klimesch, W.: EEG alpha and theta oscillations reflect cognitive and memory performance: a reviews and analysis. Brain Research Review 29, 169–195 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Müller, M., Gruber, T., Keil, A.: Modulation of induced gamma band activity in the human EEG by attention and visual information processing. International Journal of Psychophysiology 38, 283–299 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Bastiaansen, M.C.M., van der Linden, M., ter Keurs, M., Dijkstra, T., Hagoort, P.: Theta responses are involved in lexical–semantic retrieval during language processing. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 17(3), 530–541 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Landau, A., Esterman, M., Robertson, L., Bentin, S., Prinzmetal, W.: Different effects of voluntary and involuntary attention on EEG activity in the gamma band. The Journal of Neuroscience 27(44), 11986–11990 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Park, H., Kang, JS., Choi, S., Lee, M. (2013). Analysis of Cognitive Load for Language Processing Based on Brain Activities. In: Lee, M., Hirose, A., Hou, ZG., Kil, R.M. (eds) Neural Information Processing. ICONIP 2013. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8226. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-42054-2_70

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-42054-2_70

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-42053-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-42054-2

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics