The Reliability of Early Language Assessment Tools
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Authors
Moon, Yae‐Eun
Issue Date
2019-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Academic theses , Speech disorders , Language arts (Early childhood) , Speech disorders in children , Speech acts (Linguistics)
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of early language assessments in the attempts to quantify the stability and consistency of standardized and criterion-referenced scales. This study involved 12 participants, 7 males and 5 females between 7 months of age to 2 years and 10 months of age. Each child participated in a comprehensive speech and language evaluation, involving the administration of several assessment tools of speech and language abilities. Caregivers additionally participated, providing insight on their child’s current abilities and behaviors. Tests included Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition, The Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale: A Measure of Communication and Interaction, Preschool Language Scales, Fifth Edition, and Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Test, Third Edition. Results of the study revealed that the PLS-5 composite language score was most related to the REEL-Expressive, REEL-Total, and ASQ-Problem Solving. Agreement was measured, with findings indicating inconsistency between diagnoses within each measure. Essentially, screeners should demonstrate higher sensitivity and specificity rates, which raises concern for the use of the ASQ-3 as a primary screener within pediatric medical facilities. Overall, with the younger population of children between 0 to 3 years of age, the best representative test results may stem from the use of multiple comprehensive assessments to fully gauge a child’s speech and language abilities.
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This dissertation is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, revised in 1976). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgement. Use of the materials for financial gain with the author's expressed written permissions is not allowed.