Triangulating speech sound generalization

Abstract

Generalization refers to the extension of learned behaviours to novel conditions, and it is one of the criteria by which the effectiveness and efficiency of a remediation programme may be judged. This article extracts principles of generalization from the treatment literature, and provides examples of how this information may be used to help guide treatment decisions. Included is a discussion of client, clinician, and treatment variables that may contribute to the generalization process.

Keywords:

• phonological disorders
• treatment
• generalization
• speech production measurement

Acknowledgement

This paper is based in large part on a presentation made at the annual convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Miccio and Powell, 1999). Although we discussed writing a manuscript based on this presentation, the project never was realized beyond an outline. This paper was completed as a tribute to Adele Miccio's commitment to the development of a clinical science, and her devotion to communication among researchers and clinicians to ensure integration of generalization principles into clinical practice. It was always a joy to collaborate with Adele—she was insightful, responsive, and very witty. Adele's vision guided the preparation of this manuscript, but the responsibility for errors of fact and interpretation is my own.T. Powell.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes

1. The pseudonyms pay homage to Mrs Emma Peel and Mr John Steed of The Avengers (a favourite television show of the authors).

2. The authors shared an interest in board games involving deduction. The title of this paper was inspired by Scotland Yard, a board game played on a map of London. The objective of the game is to triangulate the location of the dastardly Mr X by tracking his use of transportation (bus, taxi, or underground); by analysing known information, the players can predict Mr X's future location. The game serves as a metaphor for the treatment-planning approach described during our ASHA presentation and in this paper.