Four-Part Processor

The Four-Part Processing Model for word recognition is a simplified model that illustrates how the brain reads or recognizes words. (Based on Seidenberg & McClelland, 1989)

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) imaging studies have shown the directionality of brain processes when seeing/hearing a word.

1. Orthographic processor: letter recognition
   1. When you see or hear a word, the orthographic processor makes a visual image of the letters
2. Phonological processor: sound recognition
   1. The phonics “letterbox”
   2. Once the word is heard or read, the brain connects the letters/graphemes and sounds/phonemes
3. Meaning processor:
   1. All known meanings of the word are actively engaged
4. Context processor: Confirming meaning

Watch Dr. Carol Tolman introduce her Tolman Hourglass Figure and its relation to the Four-Part Processor.