Processing of symbolic and nonsymbolic events: A review of comparisons in selected cognitive activities

Abstract

The cognitive processing of symbolic and nonsymbolic events was compared. Evidence was drawn from the clinical and experimental literature on normal processing, on hemispheric asymmetry and on brain damage sequelae. It was concluded that several basic cognitive activities were manifest both symbolically and nonsymbolically. The cognitive activities included analysis of rapidly changing stimuli, categorical perception, categorical production, hierarchical organization and the production of complex movements. Damage to subcortical as well as cortical structures may contribute to the covariation of symbolic and nonsymbolic deficits. Suggestions were made for future research and the implications for the understanding of aphasia were described.