Effects of speech and language disorders on raters' perceptions

Using semantic differential scales with nine trait pairs, 465 students at two universities rated five descriptions, one portraying an individual without a disorder and four depicting communicative disorders. Statistical analyses indicated that the descriptions with no disorder and with a language disorder were rated significantly lower in ambition than those depicting stuttering, voice, or articulation disorders. Other differences emerged when the raters were divided by geographical location and age. Location was a significant factor in the responses for the traits of social adjustment, employability, and ambition. Age of respondent correlated significantly with ratings of tension and employability.