Behavioral and ERP correlates of orthographic learning and consolidation

Abstract This study investigated the behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) correlates of novel printed word learning. During five repeated exposures to regular words, pseudohomophones, and pseudowords, skilled readers were asked to decide if a letter-string sounded like a real word. A week later, the participants were given a post-test to investigate consolidation effects. The behavioral results indicated that the pseudohomophones produced shorter RTs on the third exposure compared to the second exposure. In addition, the pseudohomophones produced shorter RTs compared to the pseudowords during most exposures, including the post-test. The ERP results showed that the repeated exposures modified the N170 amplitudes produced by the pseudohomophones, while the post-test evoked lower amplitudes compared to those produced during the repeated exposures. In addition, a left-lateralized N170 was found for all words after the first exposure, and after the consolidation phase. Finally, both repeated exposures and the one-week consolidation phase modulated the N400 for pseudohomophones. The results of the training session and the post-test suggested that both phases significantly contributed to novel printed word learning.