Category Learning Retention in Adults With and Without Developmental Language Disorder

Description

Approximately 7% of the population experiences developmental language disorder (DLD), a language disorder with unclear causes. DLD affects communication beyond adolescence and poses challenges for education and career advancement due to difficulties in learning and memory. Recent research suggests that adults with DLD struggle with overnight memory consolidation, indicating a need for effective learning and memory support. This project aims to determine the optimal training schedule for perceptual memory retention in adults with and without DLD. The study involves recruiting 240 adults (120 with DLD, 120 without) for speech-perceptual training with different training schedules. The researchers predict that the manipulation of training schedules will interact with circadian preference and overnight consolidation, leading to the discovery of the best practice schedule for speech sound retention. Additionally, 300 more adults (150 with DLD, 150 without) will be recruited to investigate how optimal training schedules interact with reflexive and reflective learning strategies. The time course of learning and retention will be tracked during reflexive and reflective categorization training in six different training schedules.

Conditions

Developmental Language Disorder, Adults Without Language Disorder

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Approximately 7% of the population experiences developmental language disorder (DLD), a language disorder with unclear causes. DLD affects communication beyond adolescence and poses challenges for education and career advancement due to difficulties in learning and memory. Recent research suggests that adults with DLD struggle with overnight memory consolidation, indicating a need for effective learning and memory support. This project aims to determine the optimal training schedule for perceptual memory retention in adults with and without DLD. The study involves recruiting 240 adults (120 with DLD, 120 without) for speech-perceptual training with different training schedules. The researchers predict that the manipulation of training schedules will interact with circadian preference and overnight consolidation, leading to the discovery of the best practice schedule for speech sound retention. Additionally, 300 more adults (150 with DLD, 150 without) will be recruited to investigate how optimal training schedules interact with reflexive and reflective learning strategies. The time course of learning and retention will be tracked during reflexive and reflective categorization training in six different training schedules.

Improving the Retention of Speech-Perceptual Learning in Adults With and Without Language Disorder

Category Learning Retention in Adults With and Without Developmental Language Disorder

Condition
Developmental Language Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Newark

University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States, 19713

Boston

Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * native speakers of American English
  • * Grew up in a household in which only American English was spoken
  • * 18-55 years of age
  • * Typical vision \& hearing
  • * (Aim 2) access to headphones/devices capable of accessing experiment script via internet
  • * Must meet criteria for Group membership as either TD or DLD
  • * History of neurological disorders
  • * History of psychiatric disorders
  • * History of socio-emotional disorders
  • * On prescription medication(s) that alter sleep

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Delaware,

Study Record Dates

2027-07-31