Causal Lesion Evidence for Two Motor Speech Coordination Networks in the Brain

The preprint operates within the dominant paradigm of cognitive neuroscience, specifically focusing on the neural substrates of speech production. It adheres to the established methodologies of fMRI, lesion-symptom mapping, and anatomical tracing. The theoretical framework it investigates, the dual motor speech coordination model, is itself an extension of existing state feedback control models within the field.

This research utilizes established methods and a dominant paradigm to investigate specific aspects of the dual motor speech coordination model. The study replicates prior findings regarding functional connectivity of the dPCSA and vPCSA, reinforcing established knowledge. Further, using lesion-symptom mapping, it provides causal evidence that strengthens the model's core predictions by linking specific brain regions to distinct sensorimotor transformations. The study does not challenge the existing paradigm but rather deepens our understanding within it, characterizing it as normal science. While some questions about the precise mechanisms and bilateral representation are raised, these represent areas for future research within the current framework rather than prompting a paradigm shift. Therefore, the classification is Normal Science.