Perceptions of communicative disorders: verification and specification of rater variables

Using semantic differential scales with nine trait pairs, 600 students at three universities rated five descriptions, one depicting an individual without a disorder and four portraying individuals with communicative disorders. Statistical analyses indicated that the description with no disorder was rated as significantly less ambitious than the described articulation disorder. Other differences emerged when raters were divided by gender and age. Male subjects rated the portrayed individuals as more highly stressed than did females. A significant negative correlation was found for age of respondent and ratings of self-esteem. Results support previous research suggesting that rater gender and age impact perceptions of communicative disorders.

As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to: (1) identify the different means by which investigators have studied the stereotyping of people with communicative disorders, (2) discuss how listeners perceive those with and without communicative disorders, and (3) identify listener traits that may be associated with negative perceptions of people with communicative disorders.