Computer code comprehension shares neural resources with formal logical inference in the fronto-parietal network.

ABSTRACT: Despite the importance of programming to modern society, the cognitive and neural bases of code comprehension are largely unknown. Programming languages might 'recycle' neurocognitive mechanisms originally developed for natural languages. Alternatively, comprehension of code could depend on fronto-parietal networks shared with other culturally-invented symbol systems, such as formal logic and symbolic math such as algebra. Expert programmers (average 11 years of programming experience) performed code comprehension and memory control tasks while undergoing fMRI. The same participants also performed formal logic, symbolic math, executive control, and language localizer tasks. A left-lateralized fronto-parietal network was recruited for code comprehension. Patterns of activity within this net

SUBMITTER: Liu YF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7738180 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature