Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

First Advisor

Jade Hill Robinson

Second Advisor

Michelle A. Gremp

Third Advisor

Maria Bane

Abstract

Through a case study design, this research examined whether mask usage in communication partners influenced speech perception in a 5-year-old child, and if so, what that effect was. Participants were recruited using a mix of electronic and physical flyers. Participants had to meet all inclusion criteria, including being English speaking, typical developing, and the age of 5 years for the duration of the study. Typical development was determined through the usage of three screeners; hearing, articulation, and language. Three children were screened, but only one met all inclusion criteria for the study. This individual went on to participate in phase 2 of the data collection process. This consisted of the participant repeating words, nonsense words, phrases, and sentences verbatim. One trial was conducted while the principal investigator wore a mask and another without a mask. These data were then compared based on accuracy in each condition. There was little difference between each trial when interpreting all stimuli. However, when looking at nonsense words only, there was a more significant difference. The participant was able to better repeat nonsense words verbatim when the principal investigator was not wearing a mask versus when they were wearing a mask. No definitive conclusion can currently be made about the results due to the small scale of the study. However, it can be hypothesized that speech perception is affected negatively when perceiving nonsense words or even unfamiliar sounds or words. Further large-scale studies should be conducted to examine this topic more.

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