Applying linguistic demand analysis to functional multitasking assessments

Abstract

Purpose

The linguistic demand of task instructions in cognitive assessments may mask or even invalidate cognitive testing results for individuals with language differences or impairments. The purpose of this study was to apply an analysis of linguistic demand to a sample of functional multitasking assessments.

Method

We sampled the task instructions and materials from seven functional multitasking assessments that are based on everyday activities. We calculated indices of linguistic demand.

Results

The Density Index is based on total number of words, total number of sentences, total number of different words, total number of syllables, and complex (not-simple) sentences. The Breakfast Task and the Frisch Cooking Task consistently ranked lowest in linguistic demand for both instructions and materials based on the indices reviewed. These tasks are most likely to be appropriate for individuals with language impairment.

Conclusions

Clinicians have a responsibility to fairly evaluate cognitive functions of individuals with impaired language functioning. The analysis of linguistic demand provides a useful way to evaluate task instructions and materials in a systematic way, so that individuals with language impairments or language differences might be more appropriately evaluated.

Keywords:

• Aphasia
• assessment
• evaluation
• language impairments
• linguistic demand
• multitasking

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.