Interaction symmetry: Assessing augmented speaker and oral speaker performances across four tasks

Abstract

This investigation examined the impact of speech-generating devices (SGDs) on the interaction dynamics (i.e., symmetry) of augmented speakers and their conversation partners while performing several interaction tasks. This study involved 20 dyads: 10 in which one individual had ALS and primarily used an SGD for communication while the other participant primarily used speech (AS group); and 10 in a control group comprised of individuals who used speech as a primary means of communication (OS group). Interactions between participants in the AS group were compared across four tasks (i.e., map, retell, sequencing, and personal narrative). These results were also compared to performances of participants in the OS group performing the same tasks. Task completion times, talk times, contribution types (i.e., main/repair), and contribution functions (i.e., presentation/acceptance) were used to index symmetry performance patterns across tasks for the 20 dyads. Within- and between-group comparisons were significant in differentiating the two groups in terms of the ways in which they were able to adapt to different interaction task dynamics. Findings suggest symmetry is a useful metric for identifying the constraining influence of carrying out in-person interactions with an SGD.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• interaction media
• social interaction
• symmetry

Acknowledgments

The authors recognize the efforts of Lisa Bardach, who secured participants and supported many facets of collecting the data that is analyzed here. This archival database analysis was conducted in partial fulfillment of the first author’s doctoral dissertation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 Euclido Linguistic Annotation Software is a free video analysis tool from Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, The Language Archive, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. https://archive.mpi.nl/tla/elan

2 The Mini-Mental State Exam is a quick questionnaire used to measure cognitive impairment.

3 Firefly was an American space Western drama that ran in the early 2000’s. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/

4 SPSS 2016 for Windows (Version 24.0) is a product of IBM Corp. Airmont, NY https://www.ibm.com/products/spss-statistics

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research under grant [H133E080011] in affiliation with the University at Buffalo.