The long-term goal of this research program is to develop a full explanation of the vocabulary problems associated with developmental language impairment (LI). The current objective is to examine three memory processes that support word learning: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Encoding, the experience-dependent process via which a new memory is formed, is followed by consolidation, the slower experience-independent process via which the fragile new memory is stabilized, enhanced and integrated into a network of related memories. Subsequent retrieval of the newly learned information can further strengthen the memory trace and can set in motion the processes of re-encoding and re-consolidation. The central hypothesis is that the word learning problems that characterize LI are a consequence of deficits in experience-dependent memory processes. Experience-independent processes are not affected. This deficit alone is enough to impair word learning over shorter and longer retention intervals and to result, ultimately, in a small and shallow vocabulary.
The specific aims are to 1) determine the integrity of experience-dependent and -independent memory processes of learners with LI; 2) identify experiences that promote optimal encoding among learners with LI; and 3) describe the complex interactions between (re)encoding, (re)consolidation, and retention interval that culminate in poorer or stronger retention among learners with LI. The research strategy involves a series of six training experiments wherein the memorial processes that support word learning and retention are detailed across the course of a single week. Manipulation of the number and type of training exposures allows determination of optimal encoding experiences. All experiments will involve comparisons of college students with LI to college students who are unaffected. Three different schedules of testing allow measurement of encoding, all three stages of consolidation, and re-encoding/reconsolidation.

Public Health Relevance

The project will yield new insights about the word learning challenges associated with developmental language impairment (LI), a condition that affects over 12 million adults in the United States. The focus is college students with LI. New information about the experiences that optimize their learning is critical for these citizens who, having made it to college, have an opportunity to contribute to society but who, without adequate support, are at a high risk of failure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC011742-04
Application #
8786072
Study Section
Language and Communication Study Section (LCOM)
Program Officer
Cooper, Judith
Project Start
2012-01-23
Project End
2016-12-31
Budget Start
2015-01-01
Budget End
2015-12-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$362,794
Indirect Cost
$122,533
Name
University of Iowa
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
062761671
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52242
Hall, Jessica; Owen Van Horne, Amanda J; McGregor, Karla K et al. (2018) Individual and Developmental Differences in Distributional Learning. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 49:694-709
McGregor, Karla; Arbisi-Kelm, Tim; Eden, Nichole (2017) The encoding of word forms into memory may be challenging for college students with developmental language impairment. Int J Speech Lang Pathol 19:43-57
McGregor, Karla K; Gordon, Katherine; Eden, Nichole et al. (2017) Encoding Deficits Impede Word Learning and Memory in Adults With Developmental Language Disorders. J Speech Lang Hear Res 60:2891-2905
Perelmutter, Bogi; McGregor, Karla K; Gordon, Katherine R (2017) Assistive Technology Interventions for Adolescents and Adults with Learning Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Comput Educ 114:139-163
Hall, Jessica; Owen Van Horne, Amanda; McGregor, Karla K et al. (2017) Distributional Learning in College Students With Developmental Language Disorder. J Speech Lang Hear Res 60:3270-3283
Hall, Jessica; McGregor, Karla K; Oleson, Jacob (2017) Weaknesses in Lexical-Semantic Knowledge Among College Students With Specific Learning Disabilities: Evidence From a Semantic Fluency Task. J Speech Lang Hear Res 60:640-653
Becker, Toni C; McGregor, Karla K (2016) Learning by listening to lectures is a challenge for college students with developmental language impairment. J Commun Disord 64:32-44
McGregor, Karla K; Langenfeld, Natalie; Van Horne, Sam et al. (2016) The University Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities. Learn Disabil Res Pract 31:90-102
McGregor, Karla K; Alper, Rebecca M (2015) Sleep Disorders as a Risk to Language Learning and Use. EBP Briefs 10:1-21
Sheng, Li; Byrd, Courtney T; McGregor, Karla K et al. (2015) List memory in young adults with language learning disability. J Speech Lang Hear Res 58:336-44

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