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Identifying the onset and offset of stuttering events
R J Ingham1, A K Cordes, J C Ingham
1University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Judgments of stuttering events lack reliability, challenging current research methods. Further studies may refine stuttering measurement for improved accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Clinical research methodology
Background:
- Conflicting reports exist on agreement levels in stuttering research.
- Some studies imply high agreement, while others show low agreement in stuttering judgments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the discrepancy in reported agreement levels in stuttering research.
- To assess the reliability and validity of stuttering event onset and offset judgments.
Main Methods:
- Four experienced stuttering researchers analyzed spontaneous speech samples.
- Laser videodisks were used to pinpoint the onset and offset of individual stuttering events.
- Participants' stuttering severity ranged from mild to severe.
Main Results:
- Significant interjudge disagreements were observed in identifying stuttering events.
- These disagreements question the reliability of current stuttering measurement procedures.
- A small number of highly agreed-upon stuttering events were identified.
Conclusions:
- The widespread method for judging stuttering events may have poor reliability.
- The identified highly agreed events could aid in developing improved judgment procedures.
- Further research is needed to enhance the accuracy of stuttering measurements.