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Title: Influence of Bilingualism in Simple Arithmetic.
Creator: Nishat, Towhid, Rosselli, Monica, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: It has been widely hypothesized that while doing arithmetic individuals use two distinct routes for phonological output. A direct route requires exact arithmetic which is thought to have been linked to language dependent areas of the brain. In addition, an indirect route thought to be language independent is active during arithmetic approximation that relies on visuo-spatial skills. The arithmetic double route has been incorporated on the triple code model that consists of Visual Arabic code...
Show moreIt has been widely hypothesized that while doing arithmetic individuals use two distinct routes for phonological output. A direct route requires exact arithmetic which is thought to have been linked to language dependent areas of the brain. In addition, an indirect route thought to be language independent is active during arithmetic approximation that relies on visuo-spatial skills. The arithmetic double route has been incorporated on the triple code model that consists of Visual Arabic code for identifying string of digits, magnitude code for knowledge in numeral quantities, and verbal code for rote arithmetic fact. Our goal is to investigate whether language experience has an effect on the processing of exact/approximation math using bilingual participants who have access to two languages. We will measure the 2 groups monolinguals/bilingual processing speed to complete the 2 tasks Exact/Approximation in 2 codes Arabic digit/Verbal. We hypothesized a faster reaction time in exact arithmetic task in comparison to approximation due to it being language dependent. We expect a positive correlation between self rated language proficiency and exact arithmetic in verbal code. We also expect a main effect for the task Exact vs. Approximation independent of the input code when the stimulus was presented in either Arabic digit and/or verbal codes. Results from this study have implications in understanding the importance of the input code when processing numbers. Further neuroimaging studies need to be compiled to investigate brain activation during simple arithmetic when bilinguals use verbal or Arabic digit coding.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005844
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mirror Neurons: Imitation and Emotional Differences Among Males and Females, Preliminary Results.
Creator: Reale, AmberRose, Rosselli, Monica, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: The mirror neuron system MNS consists of a specific class of visuomotor neurons, which fire for both observation of an action, and for execution of that action, as well as showing differences for empathy and gender. We studied the effect of different emotions on accuracy and response time of an imitative motor finger sequencing task for males and females. Method: A sample of 56 individuals aged 19-40 26 males, 30 females living in South Florida were All participants had Alexithymia scores of...
Show moreThe mirror neuron system MNS consists of a specific class of visuomotor neurons, which fire for both observation of an action, and for execution of that action, as well as showing differences for empathy and gender. We studied the effect of different emotions on accuracy and response time of an imitative motor finger sequencing task for males and females. Method: A sample of 56 individuals aged 19-40 26 males, 30 females living in South Florida were All participants had Alexithymia scores of 60 or below and were free of any traumatic head injuries or current psychological disorders. No differences in years of education or age were found across groups. Results: 1. A one way ANOVA showed a significant difference in empathy or males and females F1,546.55, p .05, with a higher score for females. 2. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to compare levels of empathy and accuracy of the two emotion trials happy and angry among gender. The test of within-subjects effects showed a trend toward significance for the interaction between the emotion task and empathy level F1,533.05, p .087. Additionally, the interaction between the emotion task and gender shows a strong trend toward significance F1,533.73, p .059. No significant interaction was found for response time and empathy. Discussion: These preliminary results support differences for empathy levels among gender. It is expected that with a larger sample and more statistical power, significance in reached. These finding may offer a connection between empathy and gender effects in the MNS.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005849
Format: Document (PDF)