y This study investigated speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of factors that influence application of a new taxonomy with terminology for describing child language assessment and... Show morey This study investigated speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of factors that influence application of a new taxonomy with terminology for describing child language assessment and identified strategies that may facilitate use of taxonomy terminology to collect data on SLP assessment practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 SLPs and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified in relation to factors that may influence application including applying the taxonomy is arduous, contextual factors may influence application, and SLP experience and knowledge may influence application. Participants identified a number of strategies to facilitate use of taxonomy by SLPs. Findings from this study give insight into the factors that influence SLPs' application of a taxonomy of assessment terms. These findings are important for all SLPs in the child language field to consider if the profession is to be effective in establishing greater consistency in use of professional terminology. Show less
Ryan, N.; Wall, J.; Crosbie, E.J.; Arends, M.; Bosse, T.; Arif, S.; ... ; Singh, N. 2019
Purpose: Given the barriers that inconsistent terminology poses for the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) profession, this study aimed to develop an agreed-upon taxonomy with well-defined categories... Show morePurpose: Given the barriers that inconsistent terminology poses for the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) profession, this study aimed to develop an agreed-upon taxonomy with well-defined categories for describing language assessment practices for children.Method: A taxonomy with illustrative terms for describing assessments across four aspects (modality/domain, purpose, delivery and form) was developed with reference to contemporary literature. In a three round Delphi study, SLPs with expertise in child language were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the taxonomy and provide feedback. Participants were also asked to apply the taxonomy by categorising assessments presented in case studies.Result: A total of 55 participants completed round one, while 43 and 32 completed rounds two and three respectively. Agreed consensus with the taxonomy was achieved in both rounds one and two, with at least 88% of participants agreeing with each aspect and 100% agreeing with the overall structure. In round three, an agreement was reached on 7/10 components for one case study and 4/10 for the other.Conclusion: The development of this taxonomy represents a significant step towards providing detailed terminology for describing language assessments. Future research is needed to investigate implementation strategies to facilitate consistent application of the taxonomy by SLPs. Show less
