The Effect of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Novel Word Acquisition: Paradigm Development

Novel word acquisition is a crucial part of first language acquisition, foreign language learning, and generally language processing. However, the vast majority of studies investigating the neural bases of novel word acquisition were conducted by means of neuroimaging methods such as EEG, which can not reveal the causal link between neural processes and distinct components of novel word acquisition. This paper aims to test the modulational effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the neural processes underlying novel word acquisition and specifically to investigate the role of theta-band neural oscillations in the novel word acquisition. This will be one of the pioneer studies on the modulatory effect of tACS applied to novel word acquisition. We have designed an experiment with application of tACS in human participants. We have prepared stimuli lists of 80 pseudowords paired with 80 Russian nouns and developed an explicit learning paradigm, consisting of three experimental sessions. The paradigm was tested via an online validation experiment. On the grounds of validation data, we have made minor changes to the paradigm. The results of the online validation revealed that participants completed all tasks neither at floor, nor at ceiling. Consequently, participants’ performance can be potentially improved by tACS and the current paradigm is suitable for the planned experiment with tACS application. The paradigm will serve as a base for our planned experiment with tACS application that will test the contribution of theta-band oscillations to novel word acquisition and examine the modulational effect of tACS on novel word acquisition. As well, our paradigm can be adapted to other studies on novel word acquisition.