In the Speech Core, we use a range of behavioral, physiological, and neurocognitive methods to study spoken language processes. Here are some of our facilities and instrumentation that we share as a group. In addition, we are grateful for our access to the resources of the Center for Language Science in the Moore building (opposite ours).
Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) allows to track movement of flashpoint (e.g., a focal region on the tongue) where microsensors are attached. It allows to examine the movement of intraoral area in three dimensions. The specific type we use is Wave system (Northern Digital Inc.). This is a portable system and we often bring it to the ALS clinic at Penn State Hershey Medical Center for collecting data from participants with ALS.
Ultrasound. By using ultrasound, we are able to measure the position of the tongue real time during an utterance in a non-invasive manner. We are able to measure both adults and children using our portable set up. We use this set up for classroom demonstrations as well as for other outreach activities.
Electromyography. Electromyography is used to measure muscle activity of speech articulators. This system is made up of several little “nodes” placed around the lips, cheeks, and forehead, which measure electrical activity in the muscles as they move. In our lab, we were interested in using this technology to measure muscle movement during stuttering episodes among individuals who stutter.
Pharyngometer. Traditionally used in research with individuals who have sleep apnea, this device provides a picture of the vocal tract’s dimensions all the way from the lips down to the vocal folds.
Electrodermal Activity Sensor. With the electrodermal activity sensory we are able to measure arousal/anxiety. It’s a small device clipped to the index and middle finger, and it measures activation of the sweat glands over time. We were interested in using this to measure anxiety over the course of stuttering episodes among adults who stutter.
Electroglottograph. This measures vocal fold contact over time. To use it, you place two sensors on either side of the larynx, and they sense the pattern of the vocal folds moving in and out of contact. This is not yet available in our labs, but we are in the process of planning to purchase it.
In addition, we’re fortunate to be able to use the facilities of the Center for Language Sciences which ha
s numerous sound isolated booths, eye tracking, EEG equipment etc.