Diagnostics Exam 1

An SLP determines the mean length of utterance (MLU) of a language sample from a three-year-old child. Two weeks later, the SLP reevaluates the same sample and again determines the MLU. The extent to which the two scores are similar is most directly a function of the

• validity of the scores

• reliability of the scores

• skewness of the score distribution

• speededness of the measure

Answer explanation

Reliability is the consistency with which a test measures or the degree to which repeated measurement with the same instrument of the same individual would tend to produce the same result. Larger values indicate greater reliability; a reliability of 0.90 or greater is desirable for a test to be used in making decisions about individuals. (A) is incorrect because validity refers to how well a test measures what it is purported to measure. (C) is incorrect because skewness refers to the symmetry of the data. (D) is incorrect because speededness refers to the time it takes to complete the test.

Which of the following is the primary reason for using standardized norm-referenced instruments to assess communication function?

• To track progress on a session-by session basis
  

• To provide a comparison against a representative population
  

• To develop a database for diagnostic purposes
  

• To provide qualitative data for the assessment report

Answer explanation

The primary reason for using a standardized norm-referenced assessment is to compare an individual's performance to norms generated from a much larger representative sample.

Use of a norm referenced assessment enables the client's behavior to be compared to typical function for individuals in the same age range.

(A) is incorrect because standardized assessments are not administered as frequently as every session.

(C) is incorrect because inclusion of client information in a diagnostic database is not the primary reason to use a norm-referenced instrument.

(D) is incorrect because performance on standardized tests is expressed numerically, which makes it quantitative data.T

Which of the following statements best characterizes the ethics of formulating prognoses for clients with speech and language disorders?

• No assessment is complete until a precise statement can be formulated regarding the prognosis.

• The extreme complexity of speech and language processes and behaviors makes it impossible to formulate prognoses.

• After an assessment has been completed, it is usually appropriate to make a reasonable statement about prognosis.

• A clinician’s ability to make prognostic statements depends on the availability of standardized tests to quantify the severity of a speech and language disorder.

Answer explanation

According to the 2010 ASHA Code of Ethics, Principle of Ethics I, Rule J, a speech- language pathologist can make general statements about a client's prognosis.

(A), (B), and (D) are contrary to the spirit of this ethical position.

The most common interviewing barriers include:

• Clinician's fears

• Lack of specific purpose

• Failure to consider the client's cultural background

• Being Overprepared and Overqualified

• Making Decisions Based on Skills and Experience Only

What are the goals of the diagnostic interview?

• Obtain Information

• Give information

• Provide Counseling

• To Diagnose

• To Identify

As clinicians, we often need to attend to potential sources of cultural bias during the interview process because the families we treat often come from backgrounds and/or lead lives that are very different from our own. This describes the clinical technique of,

• Ethnographic Interviewing

• Motivational interviewing

• Curriculum-based assessment

• None of the above.

For cases where intrinsic motivation for change needs to be explored or developed and ambivalence needs to be overcome, the method of motivational interviewing might be ideal (Miller & Rollnick, 1991). This describes the clinical technique of,

• Ethnographic Interviewing

• Motivational interviewing

• Curriculum-based assessment

• None of the above.

In cases where a school-age student is being treated for a language disorder, many considerations in planning therapy go beyond the diagnostic evaluation.This describes the clinical technique of,

• Ethnographic Interviewing

• Motivational interviewing

• Curriculum-based assessment

• None of the above.

Name at least 5 positive characteristics of a clinician.

Answer explanation

• Positive Characteristics of a Clinician

  • - Professional 

  • - Active Listener

  • - Caring 

  • - Organized 

  • - Unbiased 

  • - Culturally Sensitive 

  • - Knowledgeable 

  • - Ethical

Articulatory problems result from what type of etiology/ies.

• organic

• functional

• both

• none

Answer explanation

Articulatory problems result from organic (a known physical cause) or functional (no known physical cause issues such as) etiologies.