Contextual effects on semantic grouping in individuals with Down syndrome

Abstract

Objective

Individuals with Down syndrome have impaired linguistic ability but relatively good visuospatial cognition. A verbal-with-visual presentation enhanced the semantic grouping in individuals with Down syndrome, whereas a verbal presentation did not have this effect. This study aims to examine the influence of visual presentation on semantic grouping in individuals with Down syndrome.

Method

Pictures that depict backgrounds and targets as pairs were shown to participants who were asked to make judgments according to semantic appropriateness. Targets in the same category were matched to the background in congruent and incongruent conditions.

Results

Unlike two groups of typical developers, the studied group failed to display the congruency effect. They responded slowest to congruent conditions and had the lowest accuracy rates. Error patterns revealed that they exhibited coarse semantic classification.

Conclusions

Through a visual presentation that provided contexts, an atypical contextual effect on semantic grouping was revealed in individuals with Down syndrome.

Keywords:

• Down syndrome
• contextual effect
• semantic grouping
• visual presentation

Acknowledgements

We thank the Ministry of Science and Technology (previous Taiwanese National Science Council) for grant MOST102-2410-H-211-001. Special thanks go to the individuals with Down syndrome and their families for their support of our study. We thank the Foundation of Down Syndrome, the Association for Parents of People with Down Syndrome in Keelung, the New Taipei Municipal New Taipei Special School, the Taipei School of Special Education, and the Municipal Badou Elementary School with Kindergarten in Keelung.