Date of Award
8-1-2022
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Kibby, Michelle
Abstract
This study is an examination of the relationship between the volumes of the three anatomical segments of the inferior frontal gyrus in children with Reading Disorders (RD), in relation to both disorder status and the implicated language and executive functions. There is currently a paucity of research utilizing manual segmenting methods in this population. The inferior frontal gyrus is associated with multiple aspects of language and executive functions. Furthermore, language deficits have been implicated in the etiology of reading disorders Thus, it is essential to study neuroanatomical markers for these skills, and in children with RD, as such markers may help researchers identify the underlying brain etiology in this disorder. It was hypothesized that children with RD would show a reduction in specific anatomical segments of the right and left inferior frontal gyrus compared to controls. There was some evidence of differences in the left operculum between children with RD and controls, but no other significant relationships were found between disorder status and segment volume. It was hypothesized that there would be a correlation between inhibition and language abilities and specific segments of the inferior frontal gyrus. Inhibition was associated with bilateral orbitalis volume, but no significant relationships were found with language measures. Further research is needed, with regard to these abilities, and manual segmenting is the method with the greatest potential.
Access
This thesis is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.