Complessità semantica, carico cognitivo e autocoscienza: uno studio ERP

[Autom. eng. transl.] As is known, the existence of a negative component relating to event-related potentials (ERPs), the so-called N400, with a latency of about 400 ms in response to semantically incongruent words with the context, even if phonologically or orthographically correct. This led to the hypothesis that our brain is able to extract the semantic-lexical properties between 300-400 ms of post-stimulus latency. In this paper we used the N400 component as an indirect index of cognitive complexity (induced by a mathematical calculation or a geometric representation), where conditions of increasing complexity implied a greater load of cognitive resources and the need for a more evident involvement of conscious processes . A condition of syntactical and grammatical elaboration (statements with verbal or nominal predicate) has been prepared. Participants were asked to explicitly evaluate the semantic correctness of affirmative sentences presented on video, modulated according to the degree of cognitive complexity. The stimuli (52, 26 simple, of immediate coding; 26 complexes that induce a mathematical calculation or a geometric representation) were randomly arranged in two batteries. During the execution of the task EEG activity and reaction times were recorded. Finally, Raven's SPM was administered to assess the intellectual profile. The modulation of complexity, mediated by simple statements and complex statements, has highlighted an ERP component compatible with the N400, whose breadth is to be considered plausibly linked to the complexity factor. The higher latency of TRs for the complex condition was also detected. The ERP response obtained seems to highlight a priority role of self-awareness in response to complex semantic stimuli, as well as a greater cognitive load (increase in TRs).