An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Magnocellular Stimulation on Improvements in Reading and Visual Evoked Potentials in Children with Reading Disabilities

Author

Sarah Syklawer, University of South Alabama

Date of Award

5-2010

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

BS

Department

Psychology

Faculty Mentor

Jack Shelley-Tremblay, Ph.D.

Advisor(s)

Lisa Turner, Ph.D.

Abstract

This preliminary study concerns elementary and middle school students with reading disabilities and their Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs). The participants involved were assigned to either an experimental group or a wait list control group. All subjects were initially assessed with a series of standardized pre-tests to determine eligibility as a reading disabled student in the program. The subjects trained with a program called Perception Attention Therapy for Harmony (PATH), designed to stimulate and ameliorate deficits in the magnocellular pathway of the brain, in conjunction with guided reading exercises from Reading Plus. Subjects undernent VEP recording sessions before and after training in order to evaluate the effects of PATH. Below average readers demonstrated significant changes in silent reading Fluency, Visual-Evoked Potentials, and some Cognitive measures.

Recommended Citation

Syklawer, Sarah, "An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Magnocellular Stimulation on Improvements in Reading and Visual Evoked Potentials in Children with Reading Disabilities" (2010). Digitized Honors Theses (2002-2017). 52.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_theses-boundprint/52