Developmental trajectories of acquisition consolidation and retention of auditory category learning
BINATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION-NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FUNDING 2018-2022
Understanding the basic mechanisms contributing to literacy attainment is critical to improving the well-being of individuals in society. Low literacy is associated with widespread socioeconomic problems including lower labor force participation, greater reliance on public assistance, and lower civic involvement. It is estimated to cost the US more than $255B annually. This project will examine the connection between perceptual representations, phonetic development, and language skills, with direct implications for literacy and language education. The project’s broader impact is compounded by its implications for developmental dyslexia, among the most common developmental disorders. Understanding the nature of how procedural learning deficits interact with auditory category learning will direct future evidenced-based approaches to supporting learning among those with dyslexia or other sources of low literacy.