Control of “Choice” by Application of the Electromagnetic Field Equivalents of Spoken Words: Mediation by Emotional Meaning Rather than Linguistic Dimensions?

Abstract

Electromagnetic equivalents (about 1 microT) of the acoustic signature of spoken words were applied across the temporoparietal lobes by an array of external solenoids. Participants were asked to select the target word within a group of words. The experimental group of 7 chose the target word or words that shared its emotional dimensions (activation, evaluation) more frequently than did the reference group of 6 who received no electromagnetic equivalents. Implications for the neurocognitive detection of the emotional (connotative) components of word stimuli when transformed to electromagnetic equivalents rather than direct images or “word sounds” are discussed.