Identifying Performing and Under Performing Graphic Symbols for Verbs and Prepositions in Animated and Static Formats: A Research Note

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify graphic symbols for verbs and prepositions that were performing and underperforming in static and animated formats in a recent experiment on the effects of animation on transparency, name agreement, and identification of graphic symbols. Variable-specific criteria were developed in order to define when a symbol is considered to be performing in terms of its transparency, name agreement, and identification accuracy. Additionally, across-variable heuristic criteria were developed that allowed classification of symbols into four categories: (a) performing exceptionally, (b) performing effectively, (c) performing adequately, and (d) performing inadequately. These criteria were applied to 24 symbols for verbs and 8 symbols for prepositions in both animated and static formats. Results indicated that the vast majority of the symbols performed adequately or better while a few did not. Potential reasons as to why some of the symbols may have underperformed are discussed. Where appropriate, implications for modifying existing symbols and future research are drawn. Although the fact that the heuristic criteria were developed post-hoc is discussed as a limitation, the benefits of the proposed categories bode well for future applications.

Keywords::

• Animation
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Children
• Error analysis
• Graphic symbols

Acknowledgments

We thank the participants of the Schlosser et al. (in press) study along with the parents and directors of preschools of Russel J. Call Children’s Center, and Wellesley Community Children’s Center. Finally, we thank the members of the Autism Language Program Research Group for providing feedback on this project, including Dr Suzanne Flynn, Emily Laubscher, Jennifer Abramson, and Holly Fadie.

Declaration of interest: Two of the co-authors (Drs. Shane and Sorce) are part of the team that developed the ALP Animated Graphic Set. However, they had no involvement in the implementation of the experiment, the entering of the data, or the analysis of the data.