MedPath

Retrieval Practice for Word Learning for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Hearing Loss
Language Impairment
Interventions
Behavioral: Feedback with massed trials
Behavioral: Feedback with spaced trials
Behavioral: No feedback with spaced trials
Behavioral: No feedback with massed trials
Behavioral: No teaching control
Registration Number
NCT05512000
Lead Sponsor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Brief Summary

This study is designed to advance the promising yet underutilized research on retrieval practice by evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of two key retrieval practice features (feedback and spacing). The study uses four single case adapted alternating treatments studies, each with four 5- to 8-year-old children who are deaf and hard of hearing to evaluate the effects of feedback and spacing on the efficiency of word learning and retention.

Detailed Description

The proposed research addresses a long-standing and important challenge of improving language skills of children who are deaf and hard of hearing, a historically under researched group. The study aims to leverage retrieval practice - an empirically validated intervention approach - for improving how efficiently children who are deaf and hard of hearing learn and retain new words. To advance the promising yet underutilized research on retrieval practice, the study completes the next logical step of evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of two key retrieval practice features: feedback and spacing. Feedback is predicted to result in more efficient learning because it focuses attention on unmastered material, prevents the illusion of success, and reduces repeated errors. Spacing trials are predicted to result in more efficient learning than massed trials because they require more effort with fewer cues provided. The study will accomplish these aims through four single case adapted alternating treatments design studies with sixteen 5- to 8- year-old children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Study innovations include the critical evaluation of retention and use of a multi-session intervention context. The knowledge gained will guide language intervention for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
16
Inclusion Criteria
  • At least minimal prelingual hearing loss
  • Standard scores of at least 70 for receptive and expressive vocabulary skills
  • English is only spoken language
Exclusion Criteria
  • Below average nonverbal cognition
  • Uncorrected vision impairment
  • Evidence of severe motor impairment

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Contrast AFeedback with massed trialsFeedback vs no feedback with massed trials
Contrast BNo feedback with spaced trialsFeedback vs no feedback with spaced trials
Contrast ANo feedback with massed trialsFeedback vs no feedback with massed trials
Contrast ANo teaching controlFeedback vs no feedback with massed trials
Contrast BNo teaching controlFeedback vs no feedback with spaced trials
Contrast DNo teaching controlSpaced vs massed trials with feedback
Contrast CNo feedback with massed trialsSpaced vs massed trials without feedback
Contrast BFeedback with spaced trialsFeedback vs no feedback with spaced trials
Contrast CNo teaching controlSpaced vs massed trials without feedback
Contrast CNo feedback with spaced trialsSpaced vs massed trials without feedback
Contrast DFeedback with spaced trialsSpaced vs massed trials with feedback
Contrast DFeedback with massed trialsSpaced vs massed trials with feedback
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Labeling - acquisitionEnd of intervention. The intervention ends when the participant achieves >75% accuracy 3 sessions in a row (up to 6 months).

Percent accuracy labeling target words expressively (number of target words correctly labeled when shown the object divided by the number of words in the set \[i.e., 4\] times 100)

Labeling - retentionFour weeks after the intervention ends

Percent accuracy labeling target words expressively (number of target words correctly labeled when shown the object divided by the number of words in the set \[i.e., 4\] times 100)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Semantic - acquisitionEnd of intervention. The intervention ends when the participant achieves >75% accuracy for labeling 3 sessions in a row (up to 6 months).

Percent accuracy labeling associated semantic information (i.e., location; number of target objects' locations correctly named when shown the object divided by the number of words in the set \[i.e., 4\] times 100)

Identifying - acquisitionEnd of intervention. The intervention ends when the participant achieves >75% accuracy for labeling 3 sessions in a row (up to 6 months).

Percent accuracy identifying target words receptively (number of objects correctly identified when target word is named divided by the number of words in the set \[i.e., 4\] times 100)

Identifying - retentionFour weeks after the intervention ends

Percent accuracy identifying target words receptively (number of objects correctly identified when target word is named divided by the number of words in the set \[i.e., 4\] times 100)

Semantic - retentionFour weeks after the intervention ends

Percent accuracy labeling associated semantic information (i.e., location; number of target objects' locations correctly named when shown the object divided by the number of words in the set \[i.e., 4\] times 100)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

🇺🇸

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

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