An orthographic prediction error as the basis for efficient visual word recognition

Neuroimage. 2020 Jul 1:214:116727. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116727. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Abstract

Most current models assume that the perceptual and cognitive processes of visual word recognition and reading operate upon neuronally coded domain-general low-level visual representations - typically oriented line representations. We here demonstrate, consistent with neurophysiological theories of Bayesian-like predictive neural computations, that prior visual knowledge of words may be utilized to 'explain away' redundant and highly expected parts of the visual percept. Subsequent processing stages, accordingly, operate upon an optimized representation of the visual input, the orthographic prediction error, highlighting only the visual information relevant for word identification. We show that this optimized representation is related to orthographic word characteristics, accounts for word recognition behavior, and is processed early in the visual processing stream, i.e., in V4 and before 200 ​ms after word-onset. Based on these findings, we propose that prior visual-orthographic knowledge is used to optimize the representation of visually presented words, which in turn allows for highly efficient reading processes.

Keywords: Computational modelling; EEG; Handwriting; Predictive coding; Reaction times; Visual word recognition; fMRI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology*
  • Reading*
  • Young Adult