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.