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Latency of vocalization onset: stutterers versus nonstutterers
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|September 1, 1976
Summary
Stutterers exhibit delayed vocalization initiation, averaging 65 milliseconds slower than controls. This vocal reaction time difference in stuttering may stem from vocal dysfunction or cerebral dominance issues, not auditory problems.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Neuroscience
- Auditory processing
Background:
- Stuttering is a complex speech disorder affecting fluency.
- Previous research suggests potential links between stuttering and reaction time differences.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms of stuttering is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vocalization reaction time in individuals who stutter compared to non-stuttering controls.
- To explore the potential causes of delayed vocal initiation in stutterers.
- To differentiate between auditory and motor/neurological factors contributing to stuttering.
Main Methods:
- Participants (11 stutterers and matched controls) produced 26 different syllables upon visual stimulus.
- Vocalization onset time was measured using a voice-operated relay and computer clock.
- Responses were filtered to exclude non-vocalic sounds.
Main Results:
- Stutterers demonstrated significantly slower vocalization initiation across various syllables, averaging a 65 ms delay.
- When phonological factors imposed similar delays, the difference between groups diminished.
- Auditory dysfunction was ruled out as a primary cause for the observed delay.
Conclusions:
- Slower vocal reaction time in stutterers is likely related to vocal dysfunction or atypical cerebral dominance.
- Auditory processing deficits do not appear to be the cause of delayed vocal initiation in stuttering.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise neurological underpinnings of stuttering.