Application of semantic feature analysis to retrieval of action names in aphasia

Abstract

This investigation examined the effects of a semantic feature training procedure on retrieval of action names in a participant with anomic aphasia. Treatment was applied sequentially across two sets of action names in the context of a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Treatment effects were evaluated in terms of naming of trained and untrained actions. Discourse production effects were also examined with respect to verbal productivity, informativeness, and production of nouns and verbs. Increased accuracy of naming was observed for both sets of trained action names, with increases being maintained at 6 weeks posttreatment. However, accuracy of responding did not reach preestablished criterion levels. Repeated exposure to stimulus items without training resulted in unstable and temporary increases in naming accuracy. No changes were observed in accuracy of naming of untrained actions that were measured only at pre- and posttreatment intervals. Increases in verbal productivity and informativeness in discourse production were associated with the treatment.