Brain responses to ASL handshape changes in deaf and hearing signers
Examining MEG visual mismatch responses to ASL signs by deaf and hearing signers
Using noninvasive brain recordings, researchers will see how deaf and hearing people who use American Sign Language automatically notice small changes in handshapes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322729 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a safe, noninvasive MEG brain recording while watching short videos of real ASL signs and slightly altered 'fake' signs that differ only in handshape. The team will compare automatic brain responses between deaf people with early or delayed access to signing, hearing signers, and nonsigners to see how early language exposure shapes perception. The tests are passive so you just watch while sensors record fast brain activity and you won't need to speak or perform difficult tasks. Findings may help explain why children who lack early exposure to sign show different language and brain development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are deaf children or adults and hearing signers with known histories of early or delayed exposure to ASL who can tolerate sitting still for an MEG scan.
Not a fit: People who do not use ASL, are unable to sit still for MEG (including some very young infants or people with incompatible metal implants), or have no interest in language research may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify early brain markers of visual language processing that guide earlier diagnosis and better timing of language intervention for deaf children.
How similar studies have performed: Auditory mismatch responses are a well-established brain measure, and prior MEG work supports this approach, but applying mismatch methods to ASL handshape perception and to populations with delayed signing is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Qi — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Qi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.