Methods and research perspectives on the neuropsychology of communication

Abstract

The introduction of advanced instruments and methodologies of analysis has led to important scientific contributions in the study of communicative and linguistic processes, allowing researchers to explore at deeper levels the functional architecture of brain structures underlying language and communication [1]. This chapter provides an introduction to the methodologies used in the study of language and communication. In particular, we discuss the advances introduced by the neuropsychological paradigm-on both the experimental and the clinical level-regarding the exploration of basic functions of communicative processes. In addition, we describe the broad panorama comprising the major psychophysiological (e.g., the analysis of event-related potentials, ERPs) and neuropsychological instruments (e.g., neuroimaging techniques) used to better define the contribution of cortical areas to communication. For each methodology and paradigm introduced, the most important empirical contributions and critical issues are discussed. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Milan.