Auditory Processing in Children: Two Studies of Component Factors

Abstract

Two studies were undertaken to determine the major factors related to auditory perceptual dysfunction in early elementary school-aged children. The first study utilized 10 standardized, individually administered tests given to 272 normal seven- to eight-year-old children in regular classrooms. As a result, a new instrument, the Composite Auditory Perceptual Test (CAPT), a group-administered audiotaped test, was constructed to include the major parameters of auditory perception. A second study was completed to verify the auditory factors and to investigate relationships between them and certain language factors. The CAPT was administered to 290 second-grade children as a part of the second study and the findings were utilized to modify the CAPT. Factors which comprise auditory processing and implications for group assessment of auditory processing in elementary school-aged children are discussed.