Auditory P3 Correlates of Phonemic and Semantic Processing

Abstract

Auditory evoked potentials were recorded in twelve healthy subjects using phonemic and semantic word tasks. The late positive component (P3), analogous to tonal P300, varied as a function of cognitive task with increased latency and amplitude associated with semantic processing. These data are consistent with levels of processing theories in which semantic analysis is associated with a greater elaboration of stimulus evaluation.

Key Words:

• evoked potentials
• P3
• levels of processing