Date of Award
1-1-1983
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Special Education and Communication Disorders
First Advisor
Dr. Arleen Michael
Second Advisor
Dr. Donna Eyde
Third Advisor
Dr. Barbara Luetke-Stahlman
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Tom Lorsbach
Abstract
This study investigated the phonology of a sign system when it was used to train expressive vocabulary development in a mentally retarded-emotionally disturbed child. The study specifically dealt with the salience of movement and number of hands involved in the construction of a sign. For the subject in the study, two-handed signs involving movement were the most readily learned. Further comparison among the categories observed indicated that the parameter of movement appeared to be an important factor in expressive learning of while the number of hands involved was less important. Recent studies show that ease of acquisition may be influenced more by the structure of the task than by external reinforcement. Based on this knowledge, it was proposed that the results of the present study could serve as a foundation for building a sign lexicon which would promote learning efficiency as it would be uniquely structured to the individual.
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Mary Wunder, "Identifying Important Phonological Features in the Expressive Use of Signs by a Non-oral Mentally Retarded-Emotionally Disturbed Child." (1983). Student Work. 2977.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/studentwork/2977
Comments
A Thesis Presented to the Department of Special Education and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 1983 Mary Wunder Lopez.