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Complexity in language learning and treatment.

Cynthia K Thompson1

  • 1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-3540, USA. ckthom@northwestern.edu

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|March 3, 2007
PubMed
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Treating complex language structures first can improve simpler ones. This complexity account of treatment efficacy shows generalization from complex to simple language skills in children and adults.

Area of Science:

  • Linguistics
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • The Complexity Account of Treatment Efficacy (C. K. Thompson et al., 2003) proposes training complex linguistic structures to improve simpler ones.
  • Traditionally, language disorder treatment begins with simpler structures, but this approach challenges that notion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Introduce the Complexity Account of Treatment Efficacy.
  • Present research on complexity in phonology, lexical-semantics, and syntax treatment.
  • Highlight the effectiveness of targeting complex structures for generalized gains.

Main Methods:

  • Discuss complexity hierarchies based on language processing models.
  • Present single-subject controlled experimental studies.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Examine acquisition and generalization by counterbalancing treatment of complex and simple structures.

    • Main Results:

    • Cascading generalization observed from more complex to less complex structures across language domains.
    • The opposite pattern (simple to complex) was rarely observed.
    • Results are robust, with within- and across-participant replication.

    Conclusions:

    • Complexity is a general principle applicable to diverse language disorders in children and adults.
    • Evidence supports using complex structures as a starting point, challenging traditional clinical approaches.
    • Targeting complex linguistic forms facilitates broader language improvement.