Some interactions of speech rate, signal distortion, and certain linguistic factors in listening comprehension

Abstract

This experiment was designed to determine the relative effects of speech rate and signal distortion due to the time compression process on listening comprehension. In addition, linguistic factors--including sequencing of random words into story form, and inflection and phraseology--were qualitatively considered for their effects on listening comprehension. The subjects were 180 Army inductees who had scored 80 or above on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). The results indicate that both speech rate and signal distortion may affect listening comprehension, especially in the case of signal distortion when low-redundancy materials are used. (RB) IJ S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EDUCATION & WELFARE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION 11115 DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIGIN AT1NG IT POiN TS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS STATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRE SENTOFFICIAL NATIONA'. INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY Professional Paper 39.68