Improving the Retention of Speech-Perceptual Learning in Adults With and Without Language Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Developmental language disorder (DLD) affects about 7% of the population and causes ongoing challenges with communication, learning, and memory into adulthood. This research aims to find the best training schedule to improve speech-perceptual memory retention in adults with and without DLD. The study investigates how different practice schedules interact with circadian rhythms and overnight memory consolidation to enhance learning outcomes. Participants will take part in speech-perceptual training using a forced-choice categorization task with feedback. The training is organized into six different schedules varying in timing and session length over 24 hours, including morning or evening sessions and combinations of one-hour or two half-hour trainings. The study will recruit 240 adults for initial training schedule testing and an additional 300 adults to explore how these schedules work with reflexive and reflective learning strategies. During the study, participants will complete behavioral tests measuring speech discrimination and category identification at 48 hours and one week after training. Some participants will also have their brain activity recorded with event-related potentials (ERP) one week after training. Researchers will assess learning and retention over time while monitoring adherence to training schedules. The study is designed to better support adult learners with DLD by identifying effective methods to improve speech sound retention and memory.

Category Learning Retention in Adults With and Without Developmental Language Disorder