Version 2.5.2.0

Abstract

Grant Number:	1R43LM007016-01
Project Title:	COMPUTER-AIDED ASSESSMENT OF EARLY VOCABULARY

PI Information:	Name	Email	Title
	WHITAKER, VIRGINIA C.	ginny@trefoil.com	DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS AND D

Abstract: Our ultimate goal is to develop a computerized test for assessing vocabulary in typically developing or language-delayed children. We expect this tool to have a market among both researchers and clinicians. The state of the art in rapid assessment of infant/toddler vocabulary is represented by the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (CDI), a validated paper-and-pencil instrument that queries parents about their children's knowledge of a standard set of common words. The culmination of over 20 years of research, the CDI was normed with a MacArthur Foundation grant, which we intend herein to leverage. We propose to elaborate methods developed under the PI's NSF funding to create a computerized vocabulary test based on the CDI, but boasting improved utility, reliability, and speed. In Phases I and II, we will (1) apply a new scoring methodology to improve reliability and broaden applicability to older children who are either typically developing or language-delayed, (2) apply adaptive computerized testing to increase reliability and speed, and (3) develop a prototype for a commercial-grade program that uses these methods. In Phase I, we will (1) develop algorithms for achieving these longer-term goals, (2) evaluate their efficiency via computer simulation, and (3) design the prototype. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION The last several years have seen the widespread adoption of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory as a research tool for evaluating infant/toddler vocabulary. The computerization of this tool, and the application of modern statistical methods, will render the instrument even easier-to-use. Its utility as a research tool will increase, and its enhanced potential for clinical use will expand the potential market.

Public Health Relevance:
This Public Health Relevance is not available.

Thesaurus Terms:
computer assisted diagnosis, computer system design /evaluation, language development, language disorder
child psychology, computer program /software
human data, questionnaire

Institution:	TREFOIL CORPORATION
	BOX 127, 17 OAK ST
	ORONO, ME 04473
Fiscal Year:	1999
Department:
Project Start:	30-SEP-1999
Project End:	30-APR-2001
ICD:	NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
IRG:	ZRG1

---