Art Glenberg, PhD Episode 36 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Arthur Glenberg, PhD about embodied cognition. Dr. Glenberg recently moved to Arizona State University after over 30 years at the University of Wisconsin's Laboratory of Embodied Cognition. His research focuses on the relationship between embodiment and language. In this interview we explore the experimental evidence for a theory of language that embraces the concept that our language abilities are actually rooted in our perceptual and motor abilities. Dr. Glenberg also explains how his work has practical implications in helping children learn how to read. Since Dr. Glenberg has had a long career as a working research scientist, this interview also provided an opportunity to explore how scientific hypotheses are formed and how experiments are designed to test these hypothesis. I think this interview will give you a fascinating look into the real world of cognitive psychology.

Listen to Dr. Glenberg's Interview (left click to listen, right click to download)

Links and References: Arthur Glenberg, PhD

email: arthur.glenberg@asu.edu
Laboratory for Embodied Cognition
Havas, D.A., Glenberg, A.M., and Rink, M. (2007) Emotion simulation during language comprehension. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 14 (3), 436-441
Numerous references available as PDF
Thinking With the Body: blog post of March 3, 2008

Other Scientists Mentioned in the Episode:

George Lakoff: pioneering linguist
James Gibson-known for his ideas about affordances
William Epstein-emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin
Joseph Campos: University of California (Berkelely)
Amy Needham and Amanda Woodard-experiments with velcro mits and infant cognition
David A Havas: graduate student and co-author with Dr. Glenberg
Mike Kashak: Florida State University
Mike Rinck: German co-author-see paper under Glenberg (more papers)
Vittorio Gallese, Dept of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy (where mirror neurons were discovered): extensive experimental with motor neurons in monkeys
Fritz Stack (Germany): experiments showing that facial experiments affect mood and cognition

References:

Havas, D.A., Glenberg, A.M., and Rink, M. (2007) Emotion simulation during language comprehension. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 14 (3), 436-441
more publications by Arthur Glenberg
Sommerville, J.A., Woodard, A.L., and Needham, A., Action experience alters 3-month-old infants’ perception of others’ actions, Cognition 96 (2005) B1-B11.
Strack, F., Martin, L. L., & Stepper, S. (1988). Inhibiting and facilitating conditions of the human smile: A nonobtrusive test of the facial feedback hypothesis. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 54, 768-777.
Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things (1987) by George Lakoff
recent essays by George Lakoff written for the Rockridge Institute