Our ultimate goal is to develop a computerized test for assessing vocabulary in typically developing or language-delayed children. We expect this tool to have a market among both researchers and clinicians. The state of the art in rapid assessment of infant/toddler vocabulary is represented by the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (CDI), a validated paper-and-pencil instrument that queries parents about their children's knowledge of a standard set of common words. The culmination of over 20 years of research, the CDI was normed with a MacArthur Foundation grant, which we intend herein to leverage. We propose to elaborate methods developed under the PI's NSF funding to create a computerized vocabulary test based on the CDI, but boasting improved utility, reliability, and speed. In Phases I and II, we will (1) apply a new scoring methodology to improve reliability and broaden applicability to older children who are either typically developing or language-delayed, (2) apply adaptive computerized testing to increase reliability and speed, and (3) develop a prototype for a commercial-grade program that uses these methods. In Phase I, we will (1) develop algorithms for achieving these longer-term goals, (2) evaluate their efficiency via computer simulation, and (3) design the prototype.
The last several years have seen the widespread adoption of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory as a research tool for evaluating infant/toddler vocabulary. The computerization of this tool, and the application of modern statistical methods, will render the instrument even easier-to-use. Its utility as a research tool will increase, and its enhanced potential for clinical use will expand the potential market.
