Imaging Speech in Neurotypical Adults and Individuals With Cerebellar Stroke

This study aims to provide an integrated view of brain systems underlying predictive coding in speech with unprecedented detail using ultra-high field (7 Tesla) functional magnetic resonance imaging. The overall approach is a condition-intensive within-subjects design, with extensive sampling of individual participants, including a group who have had strokes impacting the cerebellum, across multiple sessions. Participants will be asked to complete up to 6 sessions. Passing a hearing assessment using standard audiological procedures, conducted at the start of the first session, is a requirement for participation. The experimental sessions involve behavior and non-invasive brain imaging. Investigators will ask participants to perform several short tasks to measure different aspects of their speech production and speech perception (e.g., reading passages or words aloud, making judgements about sounds). In one session, Investigators will measure electroencephalography (EEG) while participants complete tasks involving producing and hearing speech sounds. Participants will be fitted with an elastic cap and up to 32 non-invasive recording electrodes. In other sessions, investigators will measure structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Structural images demonstrate the unique brain anatomy of the participant. Functional images will be obtained while the participant completes specific tasks involving listening, speaking, or completing other motor actions (e.g., pressing a button). All participants will be screened for MRI risk factors prior to each session.