Dichotic Word (CVCV) Test in Native Kannada Speaking Children

Abstract

The present study was taken up with the aim of developing preliminary data for dichotic word test in Kannada language. The test was developed using the word list developed by Yathiraj and Vijayalakshmi (2005). These words were paired in such a way that they differed in initial syllable and were either voiced or voiceless and total duration of each word in a pair was similar. Test consists of two lists of 25 word pairs each, with five word pairs as practice items. Word pairs were played simultaneously in both ears. A total of 100 children with 20 in five age groups with equal number of males and females in each age group (7 years - 12 years) were evaluated on the dichotic word list developed. All the children evaluated had native language as Kannada. Normal auditory functioning was ensured. Responses were scored in terms of single correct scores {right (RCS) & left ear (LCS)} and double correct scores (DCS). The raw data was subjected to statistical analysis. The mean and the standard deviation were also calculated for both the list across the age groups. There was significant difference found for both single correct scores and DCS between the age groups from 9yrs to 12 yrs. No statistically significant difference between the two lists for RCS, LCS and DCS. The single correct scores were much higher than the DCS for all the age groups considered in this study. Within the single correct scores RCS were greater than the LCS with statistical significance. With increase in age there was more increase in LCS and DCS than RCS. Even with the eldest age group (11yrs-12yrs) the RCS were significantly greater than the LCS suggesting presence of right ear advantage even with eldest age group.