Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Speech-Language Pathology And Counseling: Confronting Communication And Swallowing Disorders At The End Of Life, Samuel Parker Wooten

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study was conducted to gain a better understanding of how speech-language pathologists (SLP) prepare for and provide professional counseling to those at the end-of-life stage. Participants in this study consisted of SLPs from northeast Arkansas with at least three years of experience providing counseling in an English-speaking setting to individuals at the end-of-life stage. Interviews were conducted using Zoom software, where they were recorded and then transcribed via a speech-to-text transcription service. The data were then analyzed by the primary investigator to determine themes and attitudes regarding professional counseling at the end of life. The results of the …

Agricultural Farmers' Perceptions Of Farm-Related Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Charlene Phillips

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to assess Arkansas farmers’ hearing health, perceptions, and knowledge of noise-induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protection devices. Three questions were formed to outline the primary focus areas of the current study. The following questions are outlined: What is the hearing health of farmers in Arkansas? What are the attitudes of farmers in Arkansas toward noise-induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protection devices? What is the knowledge level of farmers in Arkansas regarding noise levels, noise exposure, and harmful effects of noise-induced hearing loss? Ninety-six Arkansas farmers electronically completed a thirty-question survey on …

The Caregiver Perspective Of The Speak Out!® Program, Caitlyn Marie Moore

Student Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) participating in the SPEAK OUT!® program and to assess its potential to alleviate some aspects of caregiver burden. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six caregivers. These results highlighted overarching themes of program benefits, caregiver challenges, and caregiver rewards while expressing challenges with the program. Caregivers mentioned that the participants had challenges with inconsistent practice and resistance to applying the skills they learned from the program daily. While caregivers did perceive benefits and no adverse changes due to the SPEAK OUT!® program, …

Facilitating Better Literacy Outcomes In First And Second-Grade At-Risk Readers At An After-School Program, Brooke Goldhammer

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of literacy intervention in first and second-grade at-risk readers at an after-school program, CityYouth Ministries, in Jonesboro, AR. It was hypothesized that if children at risk for literacy difficulties receive literacy intervention at an after-school program, they would have better reading outcomes, narrowing the gap in academic achievement. If successful, it may resolve the need for long-term literacy support at school, which has been frequently observed with this population. The study utilized a quasi-experimental, within-group pretest-posttest design. Reading fluency and sight word knowledge were measured using DIBELS-8 Oral Reading Fluency passages and Dolch …

The Decline Of Civil Discourse On Facebook: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of The Comment Sections Of News Organizations' Facebook Pages, Cameron Lawson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores the role of Facebook’s comment sections in the decline of civil discourse, examining how the platform’s design influences user behaviors and contributes to increased incivility. Through a qualitative content analysis of 3,030 comments from 12 national and regional news organizations’ posts on both Facebook and their website, the research identifies key structural elements such as engagement-drive algorithms and broader reaction options that amplify uncivil behavior. The study also introduces three prevalent persona types in online discourse—the passionate partisan, the agitator, and the cynical joker. Each of these contributes to the dynamics of incivility in different ways. Grounded …

Vocal And Articulatory Speech Control Deficits In Individuals With Post-Stroke Aphasia, Roozbeh Behroozmand, Zeinab Khoshhal Mollasaraei, Vahid Nejati, Ayoub Daliri, Julius Fridriksson Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Individuals with post-stroke aphasia exhibit deficits in regulating vocal (i.e., laryngeal) pitch control during speech vowel production; however, it is not determined whether such deficits also exist when they control their supra-laryngeal speech articulators during word production. To address this question, 19 subjects with post-stroke aphasia and 20 controls were tested under an altered auditory feedback paradigm in which they received + 30% shifts in their vowel first-formant frequency during word production. In addition, 17 aphasia subjects and 19 controls from the same groups also completed steady vowel vocalizations while receiving randomized pitch shifts at ± 100 cents. Consistent with …

Deaf Community, Cochlear Implants, And Language Access, Amelia Segroves

Honors Theses

This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It compares people who see deafness as part of a rich culture (big “D” Deaf) with those who see it more as a medical condition (little “d” deaf). By reviewing studies and articles, the research explores how early exposure to language, school environments, and family choices influence how people communicate and see themselves.

This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It …

Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, And Perspectives Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Hispanic Populations, Karla C. Vidaurri, Ruth Crutchfield, Jessica R. Stewart

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method

A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored …

White Matter Integrity Of Hearing And Cognitive Impairments In Healthy Aging, Samaneh Nemati, Meisam Arjmandi M.Sc., Ph.D., Jean Neils-Strunjas Ph.D, Ccc-Slp, Roger Newman-Norlund Ph.D., Sarah Newman-Norlund B.S., M.A., Laura Droege, Leonardo Bonilha, Julius Fridriksson Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL), or presbycusis, affects two-thirds of U.S. adults over 70 and is linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. This study examines associations between white matter integrity and hearing and cognitive function in healthy aging using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We recruited 126 participants (92 female) aged 20–79 years () from the Aging Brain Cohort Study at the University of South Carolina (ABC@UofSC). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and hearing was evaluated through pure-tone thresholds (PTT) and words-in-noise (WIN) thresholds. White matter integrity was measured with fractional anisotropy (FA) …

Closing The Gap: Preschool Quality Affect On Language Acquisition Across Socioeconomic Statuses, Abby E. Hannnon Ms, Kaitlyn Clark Ms, Olivia Lewis Ms, Catherine L. Cotton Ms

Undergraduate Research Conference

Language acquisition is impacted greatly in the early years of life by many contributing factors. Children begin to have the conscious ability to acquire, learn, and develop language in exponential capacities around the age of 3-4 years old. These years are vital for the future of individuals' speech and communication. Preschool education is the beginning building blocks that lead to K-12 language learning and development. Socioeconomic statuses differ across all preschool aged children’s homes, consequently affecting the language heard and learned in the household. Our goal is to examine whether the quality of preschool education reduces the language acquisition gap …

How Do Slp's In Mississippi Incorporate Religious Activities In Adult Therapy Sessions, Nina M. Coker, Kenzie Priest, Claire Leak, Callie Abraham

Undergraduate Research Conference

Our research study proposes that Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Mississippi consider including religious activities in therapy sessions with adult clients, highlighting the impact of these practices on the clinician-client relationship. The purpose of this research proposal is to gain information on how SLPs can incorporate religious activities in therapy sessions. It also seeks to emphasize the importance of clinicians’ cultural awareness regarding religious practices and how their awareness can impact their client’s experience. This study will consist of two surveys. The first survey will be completed by clinicians to gain knowledge of their awareness and incorporation of religion within therapy …

Does Awareness Of Behavioral Challenges Impact The Preparedness Of Recent Slp Graduate Students For Their Professional Practice?, Madison K. Jones, Catherine L. Cotton Dr.

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research aims to explore how awareness of behavioral challenges, such as aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity, affects the preparedness of recent Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduates. With over 84% of children receiving SLP services also facing emotional or behavioral difficulties, it is crucial to examine whether new SLPs feel prepared to manage these challenges. The study seeks to assess whether increased awareness of behavioral issues correlates with greater confidence and readiness in addressing them during the first year of clinical practice. The study will involve administering a survey to first-year Speech-Language Pathologists. The survey will focus on their preparedness and their …

Difference Or Disorder? Misidentification Of Speech And Language Disorders In Mississippi’S Public Schools, Lori Leachman, Catherine Cotton Dr.

Undergraduate Research Conference

Students who are misdiagnosed with speech and language disorders often miss out on necessary class time and can fall behind their peers. In order to decrease the prevalence of misdiagnoses due to dialectal and linguistic differences, we must first understand how SLPs currently differentiate between typical and disordered speech. In this study, information will be gathered on the current abilities of Mississippi public school SLPs to identify the difference between a speaker that is linguistically diverse and a speaker with disordered speech or language. SLPs will listen to AI generated speech samples–some disordered, some typical, but with non-mainstream dialects–and be …

Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders [Program, 2025], Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders

Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders Programs

The Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders provides continuing education activities in speech- language pathology that are acceptable to the State of Iowa and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Areas of emphasis include adults and pediatrics.

Spatial Training For Children With Suspected Auditory Processing Disorder: A Random Control Trial, Taylor Delao

Student Research Symposium

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), defined here as a deficit in the way sounds are analyzed by the brain, has remained a controversial topic within audiology for decades.

A Novel Method For Deriving The Binaural Interaction Component And Its Association With Spatial Listening Ability In Adults, Kate M. Fisher, Marlana J. Petersen, Mindee Anderson, Annika P. Williams

Student Research Symposium

• Spatial listening helps children detect and focus on specific sounds in noisy environments.
• Classrooms require filtering relevant speech (e.g., teacher's voice) from background noise, which is challenging without strong spatial listening skills.

Examining Cultural Competency In Audiologists Across The United States: A Pilot Survey, Olivia Montoya

Student Research Symposium

• Cultural competency refers to the ability of systems to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors, including tailoring delivery to meet patients' social, cultural, and linguistic needs (Betancourt, 2002).

• Limited studies to date have explored the implementation of cultural competence in audiology, which begs the question of how audiologists are fighting against—instead of contributing to—healthcare disparities among ethnic minorities.

76 - Cochlear Implant Candidacy In Adults: Evidence From Systematic Reviews, Madison Hastain, Stacie Raymer

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This poster provides recommendations for cochlear implant candidacy in adults based on data collected from several systematic reviews, along with information regarding the efficacy of cochlear implants in adults with varied types of hearing loss.

Examining Hearing Protection Use In Applied Technology: Frequency, Barriers, And Evidence Of Hearing Loss, Brock Blessing, Cassi Pinto, Willow Ludwig, Blake Roth

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study investigated the prevalence of hearing protection usage among applied technology instructors and students and explored factors contributing to non-compliance. Survey data was collected in addition to the completion of basic audiometry screening procedures. Results indicated that while hearing protection devices were as readily available as head and eye protection, they were worn less frequently. Many participants found hearing protection inconvenient or believed it interfered with communication. A gap in education and resources was identified. These findings highlight the need for improved education and reinforcement of hearing conservation practices to increase compliance among applied technology instructors and students.

Proposed Method For Analyzing Cognitive Effects Of Chiari Malformation Type I And The Progression Following Cerebral Tonsil Reduction, Isabella Gleason

Selected Honors Theses

Chiari Malformation Type I (CM-I) is a neurological condition characterized by the descent of cerebellar structures through the foramen magnum. This malformation can be associated with cognitive implications, including impaired executive functioning, slowed processing speed, memory deficits, difficulties with attention and concentration, irregularities in emotional processing, and challenges in communication and fluency. Research indicates that cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in CM-I patients, affecting their daily lives. There are two surgical treatments commonly recommended for CM-I: posterior fossa decompression (PFD) and cerebral tonsil reduction (CTR). While both interventions are supported in the literature, studies on their long-term effects and effectiveness remain …

Cultural Linguistic Bias In Language Assessments For Children, Madison Wester

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

Cultural linguistic bias is present in almost all language assessments for children, such as the Preschool Language Scales (PLS-5) and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-5). Cultural linguistic bias is bias against those who speak a different dialect, such as African American Vernacular English or Appalachian English. Bias in these assessments leads to over-diagnosing children with language disorders, which is harmful in a number of ways. To decrease this bias, SLPs should take a language sample to assess a child’s natural language. However, this process can be time-consuming, which is why the use of online tools, such as SUGAR, …

Exploring Sound Intensity Levels In Dance Studios: A Study On Acoustic Environments And Their Impact, Nicole M. Ruda, Ella M. Stoppel, Blake Roth

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study investigated the intensity levels of music in dance studios and evaluated listener habits and awareness of the negative impact loud noises can have on hearing. Sound intensity measurements were first collected followed by a survey and basic auditory screening. Results indicated dance instructors are exposed to music intensities that exceed safe listening levels. Most participants were unaware of their listening level.

Identifying The Strongest Links: Factors That Drive Graduate Students’ Progress From Interest To Enrollment, Lauren Stallbaumer, Grace Cook, Pearl Brown

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study examined factors which influence graduate students' decisions to pursue speech- language pathology from initial exposure to final program selection. Through a survey, key links were identified at all stages. Findings suggest recruitment should begin with high school students who exhibit healthcare interests and value mentorship at the graduate level.

Understanding The Relationship Between Executive Function And Language During The Preschool Period, Haya Q. Kidwai

Senior Theses

Executive functions (EFs) are abilities that help us to control our actions, pay attention, and go against automatic responses. EF skills include working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility, all of which develop rapidly during early childhood alongside other developmental abilities like language. In fact, previous research has found a relationship between EFs and language abilities. Therefore, the current study investigated the correlation between EFs and language in the preschool period, a pivotal moment in their development. Specifically, the current study examined the relationship between working memory and inhibition and expressive vocabulary and morphosyntax measures in 7 children 4-6 years old. …

Aging-Related Hearing Decline And Resting State Networks, Cassidy S. T. Ellsworth

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study investigated the effects of age-related hearing decline on functional networks using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The main objective of the present study was to examine resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and graph theory-based network efficiency metrics in forty-nine adults categorized by age and hearing thresholds to identify the neural mechanisms of age-related hearing decline. RsFC within key brain networks and auditory-related brain regions, including the default mode network, salience network, dorsal attention network, and primary auditory cortices, was assessed using region-of-interest (ROI)-based and graph theory approaches. Functional metrics, such as rsFC strength and global and local efficiency, …

Clinical Case Study: The Effects Of Saltatory Pneumotactile Stimulation Of Glabrous Hand And Perioral Face On Cerebral Oxygenation, Cognitive Performance, And Sensorimotor Function In An Adult Following Left Hemorrhagic Stroke, Tara L. Hull

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Stroke remains a leading cause of adult disability and a significant global health concern. Effective rehabilitation strategies for cognitive and communicative impairments following stroke are limited (Kuhn & Sharman, 2023). One emerging approach involves repetitive somatosensory stimulation to drive cerebral hemodynamic changes, potentially offering a novel rehabilitative method. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive, accessible tool for monitoring these changes during stroke recovery. Prior studies suggest tactile stimulation rapidly affects brain hemodynamics (Custead et al., 2015; Oh et al., 2017). This clinical single-case study explored the use of GALILEO saltatory pneumotactile stimulation applied to the face and hand in …

Music And Word Learning In Children Diagnosed With Developmental Language Disorder, Rebekah G. Sweeney

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Purpose: This study investigates whether incorporating music into vocabulary interventions improves rate of learning and retention of words in children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Emerging literature continues to show the plentiful benefits of music as a tool for intervention in many settings, including the world of speech pathology (Levitin, 2024). However, it is also evident that there is a connection between struggling with language, and struggling with musical elements, such as rhythm and pitch perception, particularly in children with DLD (Boorom et al., 2022; Kreidler et al., 2023). This study seeks to tease out if music is an effective …

Investigating Child-Informed Considerations For Animated Picture Symbols Representing Emotion For Aac Use In Children With Asd, Hannah Kitsmiller

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Development of emotional competence is an important area of consideration when supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Emotional competence includes skills related to identifying and communicating about one’s emotions. Individuals who use AAC may struggle to develop strong skills in emotional competence. One potential barrier to developing emotional competence may be access to symbols that facilitate understanding of the represented emotion. Emotions are abstract and challenging to represent in visual symbols. Additionally, evidence suggests individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have visual perceptual differences when viewing faces. Current emotion symbols are often depicted using isolated facial …

The Impact Of Provider Communication On Treatment Adherence In Patients With Hypertension And Diabetes, Trey Carlson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Current research cites effective provider communication as an important factor in improving treatment adherence and the health outcomes of patients. This study examines the effect of provider communication on treatment adherence in patients with chronic illnesses with a specific focus on hypertension and diabetes. Provider communication was measured using patient satisfaction surveys and treatment compliance was measured as the percentage of hypertensive and diabetic patients with a blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg and hemoglobin A1C levels below 9%. A one-way MANOVA revealed that provider communication had no significant impact on the combined treatment compliance variables for hypertension and diabetes (Wilk’s …

The Effect Of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation On Word Memory In Healthy Adults, Haylee Hurt, Cassandra Callahan, Olivia Galpin, Qiang Li

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive technique that has been demonstrated to reorganize the brain neural network based on neuroplasticity. Research shows that tVNS may enhance cognitive performance such as verbal memory, as it may elicit the release of key neurotransmitters, Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Noradrenaline, that modulate cognitive performance and learning. The current study hypothesizes that verbal memory as an important cognitive skill in healthy adults will be improved after receiving tVNS. Results showed that compared to the control group, participants in the experimental group improved their verbal memory manifested in faster reaction times and higher accuracy …