Identifier

etd-04262011-211319

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This research was designed to gain information that could be used in the future to improve quality of life measures for people with aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury. People with aphasia exhibit difficulty producing and understanding verbal and written language. Existing quality of life measures, while valid and reliable for those with mild to moderate aphasia, are often unable to be used for those with severe aphasia. The written text is too complex for them to comprehend. Other studies have been done supporting the idea that pictures aid in the comprehension of written text. This study was intended to determine if a set of pictures from the Life Interests and Values (L!V; Haley, 2010) Cards are a good representation of the text questions from the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 (SAQOL-39; Hilari, 2003). A healthy older adult population rated the relationship of 31 picture and text combinations using a 5-point Likert Scale as well as offered suggestions to modify the pictures resulting in a closer relationship between the picture and text. The project’s objective was to determine if pictures could be used to reflect text, as judged by an older adult population without neurologic disorders. It was necessary to conduct this study with healthy older adults to ensure that an unaffected individual perceives a strong symmetrical relationship between the text and pictures before attempting to use this research with individuals with aphasia. Results indicated a high agreement rate (≥ 60%) for 18 of the 31 text and picture combinations. Seven of the 18 items were judged symmetrical (ratings 4 & 5 ≥ 60%). Nine of the 18 items were judged not symmetrical. On two of the 18 items, ≥ 60% of participants agreed the picture “somewhat” represented the text. The remaining 13 survey items demonstrated a low agreement rate (< 60%); therefore no relationship could be determined on these items.

Date

2011

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Donovan, Neila J.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.4232

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