The information score as a measure of oral discourse comprehension in the early school years. (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Claessen, Mary; Tucker, Meagan; Dawes, Emily; LeitÃo, Suze
• Is Part Of: International journal of speech-language pathology. Volume 22:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 338
• Page End: 346
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: oral comprehension -- narrative -- information score; Speech disorders -- Periodicals; Language disorders -- Periodicals; Speech therapy -- Periodicals; 616.855005
• DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2020.1745888
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-9507

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose : Oral discourse comprehension is a fundamental skill that is predictive of future reading comprehension. The ability to identify important semantic propositions, in a narrative text, and their attachment to a mental model is an essential component of discourse comprehension. This study aimed to pilot a measure of free-recall in a narrative retell across three age groups to explore development. A secondary aim compared measures of free-recall and cued-recall. Method : One hundred and thirty-two (132) typically developing children aged 4–7 years provided a retell of the Squirrel Story narrative and completed the Narrative Comprehension Assessment (NCA). The Squirrel Story Information Score (SSIS) was used as a novel measure of free-recall calculated from the narrative retells. The NCA, which involves literal and inferential comprehension questions, was used as a measure of cued-recall. Scoring reliability was calculated to ensure test–retest validity. Result : Correlation analysis found excellent reliability of the SSIS measure. The difference between 4 and 5 year olds, and 5 and 6 year olds, was significant, with a large effect size. The difference between the 5 and 6 year olds was not significant. A large positive correlation was found between the measures of SSIS and NCA. Conclusion : The measure of SSIS proved sensitive to developmental progression, with a positive relationship found between the measures of free-recall and cued-recall. Variability between the measures highlights the need to consider both measures to ensure an accurate representation of discourse comprehension skills.