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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Cracking the orthographic code

Objective

The proposed research is designed to test a new theory of orthographic processing - that is a theory about how information concerning letter identity and letter position is encoded during reading. The theory is couched within a general framework for word recognition that makes a critical distinction between a coarse-grained orthographic code that provides a fast-track to semantics, and a fine-grained orthographic code that is used to generate a prelexical phonological code, hence providing the connection with auditory word processing. The project is divided into three sections, each examining a specific component of this theoretical framework. Section 1 examines low-level visual constraints on the earliest phase of orthographic processing - the retinotopic mapping of visual features onto letter identities. Section 2 examines how this preliminary orthographic information can be most efficiently used to constrain lexical identity via a coarse-grained, word-centered orthographic code. Section 3 examines a further critical constraint on orthographic processing - the fact that the orthographic system is grafted onto a pre-existing phonological system during the course of reading acquisition. Each section of the research program will combine the methods of experimental cognitive psychology with visual psychophysics, brain imaging (ERPs and MEG), and computational modeling. This multi-methodological approach is one of the keys to success of the present project, along with the strong theory-driven nature of the proposed research. It is this unique combination that is expected to generate the breakthroughs that will provide the foundations for a general account of skilled reading and its breakdown in reading disabled persons.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2008-AdG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant

Host institution

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
EU contribution
€ 2 223 513,00
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Beneficiaries (1)

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