How predicting timing in speech affects attention during language understanding.

The role of temporal prediction in guiding attention through time during language comprehension.

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-10900667

This study looks at how people pay attention when listening to speech by exploring how they predict when important information will be shared, using patterns in the rhythm of speech and hints from the conversation's context, to help us understand how our brains work while we listen.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10900667 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how listeners use predictions about when important information will be spoken to focus their attention during language comprehension. It explores two main types of predictions: rhythm-based, which relates to the regular patterns in speech, and memory-based, which involves cues from the context of the conversation. By examining these mechanisms, the study aims to clarify how our brains process spoken language and allocate attention over time. Participants may engage in tasks that assess their attention and comprehension while listening to speech with varying rhythmic patterns and contextual cues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are interested in how language comprehension works.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments that affect language processing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of language processing, potentially leading to improved communication strategies for individuals with language comprehension difficulties.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding temporal predictions in non-linguistic contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights in language comprehension as well.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.