Effect of stimulus context and response coding variables on word retrieval performances in dysphasia

Quantitative and qualitative differences between two word retrieval tasks were examined using nonfluent and fluent dysphasic and nondysphasic subjects. Additional variables examined included scoring criteria, trial effects, response trends, and inaccurate responses. Results revealed that the word fluency task was significantly more sensitive than the picture-naming context. Similarly, the variable of response time was identified as the more discriminating response scoring procedure. In addition to these two variables, the data on response trends and inaccurate responses provided significant information for differentiating nonfluent and fluent dysphasias. Discussion relates to the implications of the obtained findings for differential diagnosis and measuring language recovery in dysphasia.