Encoding deficits impede word learning and memory (McGregor et al., 2017) Karla K. McGregor Katherine Gordon Nichole Eden Tim Arbisi-Kelm Jacob Oleson 10.23641/asha.5435200.v1 https://asha.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Encoding_deficits_impede_word_learning_and_memory_McGregor_et_al_2017_/5435200 <div><b>Purpose:</b> The aim of this study was to determine whether the word-learning challenges associated with developmental language disorder (DLD) result from encoding or retention deficits.</div><div><b>Method:</b> In Study 1, 59 postsecondary students with DLD and 60 with normal development (ND) took the California Verbal Learning Test–Second Edition, Adult Version (Delis, Kramer, Kaplan, & Ober, 2000). In Study 2, 23 postsecondary students with DLD and 24 with ND attempted to learn 9 novel words in each of 3 training conditions: uncued test, cued test, and no test (passive study). Retention was measured 1 day and 1 week later.</div><div><b>Results:</b> By the end of training, students with DLD had encoded fewer familiar words (Study 1) and fewer novel words (Study 2) than their ND peers as evinced by word recall. They also demonstrated poorer encoding as evinced by slower growth in recall from Trials 1 to 2 (Studies 1 and 2), less semantic clustering of recalled words, and poorer recognition (Study 1). The DLD and ND groups were similar in the relative amount of information they could recall after retention periods of 5 and 20 min (Study 1). After a 1-day retention period, the DLD group recalled less information that had been encoded via passive study, but they performed as well as their ND peers when recalling information that had been encoded via tests (Study 2). Compared to passive study, encoding via tests also resulted in more robust lexical engagement after a 1-week retention for DLD and ND groups.</div><div><b>Conclusions:</b> Encoding, not retention, is the problematic stage of word learning for adults with DLD. Self-testing with feedback lessens the deficit.</div><div><br></div><div><div><b>Supplemental Material S1.</b> Participant descriptions.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Supplemental Material S2.</b> Stimuli for Study 2.</div><div><br></div><div>McGregor, K. K., Gordon, K., Eden, N., Arbisi-Kelm, T., & Oleson, J. (2017). Encoding deficits impede word learning and memory in adults with developmental language disorders. <i>Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.</i> Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-17-0031</div></div> 2017-10-04 16:27:59 word learning developmental language disorders adults encoding memory retention familiar words novel words cueing recall specific language impairment Language Linguistic Processes (incl. Speech Production and Comprehension)