Generalization of word retrieval following semantic feature treatment.

Objectives: The effectiveness of a Semantic Feature Treatment (SFT) at increasing word retrieval accuracy of untreated words was examined in relation to the influence of the number of shared features with treated words. Generalization of these improvements to discourse was also examined.

Methods: Three adults with chronic aphasia completed 12 SFT sessions.

Investigation of habitual pitch during free play activities for preschool-aged children.

Objective: This study is designed to compare the habitual pitch measured in two different speech activities (free play activity and traditionally used structured speech activity) for normally developing preschool-aged children to explore to what extent preschoolers vary their vocal pitch among different speech environments.

Methods: Habitual pitch measurements were conducted for 10 normally developing children (2 boys, 8 girls) between the ages of 31 months and 71 months during two different activities: (1) free play; and (2) structured speech. Speech samples were recorded using a throat microphone connected with a wireless transmitter in both activities.