Teaching hearing science to undergraduate nonscientists

Abstract

For those students interested in potential clinical careers in Speech Pathology, or Audiology, a knowledge of some of the scientific bases is important, but should not create a distaste for science. The authors have addressed themselves to these goals: (1) calculation of period, Hz, summation of two sine waves, phase and dB; (2) anticipating undergraduate Speech Science; (3) simple examples of hearing pathology; and (4) basic psycho-acoustical issues. The classic material of Harry Helson was used to elucidate issues of context in experimental science, and that of S.S. Stevens was used to exemplify psycho-acoustical formulas of common use. Four texts that have been tried on approximately 200 students were evaluated. Surprisingly, the best provided the fewest formulas, short study questions with answers, good examples, and a list of common terms. The next best was aimed at slightly more advanced students, but each chapter contained introductory material, examples, and definitions suitable for naïve undergraduates. The least satisfactory text provided excerpts of technical material with abrupt transitions, no examples, and only part of the definitions needed for the naïve student. Perhaps the most difficult teaching issue is to avoid demanding graduate-level science from those undergraduates with clinical aspirations.