An fMRI validation study of the word-monitoring task as a measure of implicit knowledge: Exploring the role of explicit and implicit aptitudes in behavioral and neural processing

Abstract In this study, neural representation of adult second language (L2) speakers’ implicit grammatical knowledge was investigated. Advanced L2 speakers Japanese living in Japan, as well L1 speakers, performed a word-monitoring task (proposed an test) the MRI scanner. Behavioral measures were obtained from aptitude tests for explicit (language analytic ability) and (statistical learning learning. Findings indicate that, although both recruited circuits associated with procedural memory during task, different brain regions activated: premotor cortex (L1 speakers) left caudate (L2 speakers). The activation weaker than but positively correlated activation, suggesting that their knowledge, while less automatized, still developing. sensitivity to errors predicted only by aptitude, which may play key role automatization knowledge.