Functional similarity between perceptually discrete objects is modulated by distinct cortical networks

Evangelia Chrysikou; Gavin Hanson; William Wright

Neuroimaging studies exploring the cortical organization of semantic knowledge have revealed distributed networks in ventrotemporal and inferior parietal cortex that support the representation of different properties of object concepts (e.g., color, shape, mode of manipulation). Studies with healthy adults and semantic dementia patients have further implicated anterior temporal cortex in the representation of object function. Although research has shown that ventrotemporal and inferior parietal regions support object similarity judgments on the basis of perceptual properties (e.g., shape), the neural mechanisms that support functional similarity of objects, particularly in the context of specific goals, have not been fully explored. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine whether decisions about object functional similarity are modulated by the presence of impromptu goals and supported by ventral temporal networks. Participants read a series of goals (e.g., to start a fire), followed by an object that could be used to satisfy this goal (e.g., newspaper). They then selected which of two target objects (e.g., pen or pencil) matched the first object in the context of the presented goal (e.g., a pencil [made of wood] and a newspaper [made of paper] can be used to start a fire). Target objects varied in how typically they were associated with a given goal. Analysis of regions of interest as determined by independent task localizers revealed contributions of frontotemporal networks in determining functional similarity for objects, particularly in low-typicality trials. These results extend past research implicating this region in the representation of object function.

Functional similarity between perceptually discrete objects is modulated by distinct cortical networks

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Functional similarity between perceptually discrete objects is modulated by distinct cortical networks

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