The Evaluation of Automated Methods For Analyzing Communicator Rate in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
By Smith, Laura E, BS; Higginbotham, D. Jeffery, PhD; Lesher, Gregory W., PhD; Moulton, Bryan J., MS; Rinkus, Gerard J., PhD; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Paper reports on a preliminary evaluation of an automated analysis data log (AADL) procedure designed to measure the communication rate of data logs obtained from people who use augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) during daily communication activities. Automated data logging is a computerized technique used to create a continuous log of human and machine activity, such as communication rate and keystroke efficiency. At the time the paper was composed, logfile data was analyzed either manually by the clinician or researcher, through a transcription service, or via the Augmentative Communication Quantitative Analysis (ACQUA) research tool. The ACQUA provides a computerized solution for analysis, yet it is designed as a research tool and does not provide a quick and simple approach to data analysis. The logfiles used in the study were obtained from three people who participated in a one-month evaluation of an AAC device. Two data logs were selected from each participant’s database. Quantitative results show that the median pause times between device selections for participants ranged between one and four seconds, while the data distributions were highly skewed. When no pause time correction was applied, communication rates were all under four words per minute. Implications for the next phase of the study are discussed.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
