Research in word discrimination testing shows that performances vary as a function of the materials and procedures employed. The concept of phonemic regression, however, was based on a specific word list (PB-50) and sensation level (30 dB). The purpose of this investigation was to examine discrimination scores of individuals classified as phonemically regressed as functions of varying intensity levels and different word lists, and as compared to individuals not classified as phonemically regressed. The secondary issues addressed concerned the discriminatory error pattern differences between the two groups and whether a language deficit may be a contributing factor to phonemic regression. Each of 30 subjects was required to respond to two discrimination word lists (PB-50 and W-22) at several sensation levels (30, 40, and 50 dB). Based on pre-set criteria to identify those persons with phonemic regression, the subjects were divided into two groups and statistical analyses of intra- and inter- group scores were performed. For persons classified as phonemically regressed, statistically and clinically significant increases in discrimination scores were observed as the sensation level was raised from 30 to 40 and 50 dB. Furthermore, the W-22 word lists elicited higher performance scores than the PB-50 word lists. Inter-group results showed no significant differences in scores between the regressed and non-regressed groups at PB-max on the W-22 word lists. Limitations imposed by the test material and number of subjects prohibited the identification of specific differentiating error patterns. A trend of poorer language skills for the regressed group was noted. The results indicate that phonemic regression may be a product of the complex interaction of materials, procedures and hearing loss, rather than of anatomic and physiologic origin. The existence of phonemic / regression is not argued, rather caution is advised is attaching the phonemic regression label until all variables associated with discrimination testing, particularly the sensation level and word list utilized, have been manipulated. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 44-11, Section: B, page: 3349. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1983.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_75238 |
| Contributors | WINDMILL, IAN M., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 155 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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