Application of the Self-Generation Effect to the Learning of Blissymbols by Persons Presenting with a Severe Aphasia

Abstract

This study investigated the application of the self-generation effect to enhance the recognition and retention of Blissymbols in persons with severe aphasia. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design of two treatment types (self-generation and non-generation) was used to teach two sets of Blissymbols. These were administered during 3 training days, between which were withdrawal periods of 1 day and 7 days. Recognition and retention probes were administered at intervals during the training. ANOVA analysis showed that the self-generation treatment produced no immediate recognition advantage; however, better retention of symbol recognition may have occurred over time. Hence, the potential application of the self-generation effect in enhancing the retention of Blissymbols in persons with severe aphasia may warrant further investigation.

Keywords::

• Self-generation effect
• Severe aphasia
• Blissymbol learning

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

Appendix A

Examples of the Connect-the-Dot Illustrations