Effects of Varying Latencies in the Stimulus-Response Paradigm of Speech Therapy

Abstract

Effects of varying latencies upon articulatory productions in the stimulus-response paradigm were studied. Zero latency was compared to latency equal to stimuli and to latency with silent rehearsal of muscular movements. 30 children with misarticulated /r/ from kindergarten, first, and second grades participated as Ss in each of 3 latency conditions. Stimulus /ra/ was recorded on tape to provide 30 stimulations per S. Tape I contained stimuli with no latency; Tape II had stimuli with latency; and Tape III contained stimuli with latency and conditioning for muscular practice. Responses 1, 10, 20, and 30 of each S were judged. Only the responses following zero latency yielded significantly improved reponses after 30 stimulus-response trials. No significant differences were found among conditions after 30 trials. When change scores between Trials 1 and 30 were compared, the zero-latency condition was significantly better than the latency condition. When individuals were studied, however, some improved under a given condition whereas others did not or may even have regressed. It appears desirable to continue to use the stimulus-response method with latencies adapted to the individual S.