Aspects of rating communicative interaction

Abstract

Communication partner training can be effective in improving communication in aphasia. However, further research is needed on how to measure the outcome of such interventions. In this paper we discuss the phenomenon of reliability in assessments in relation to the results of analyses using a rating scale designed to measure the ability to support a person with aphasia in natural conversational interaction. The scale was used by four assessors to rate 45 video recordings. Calculations of reliability and agreement produced varying results but were mostly satisfactory. However, the results highlight how interaction between factors such as complexity of assessments; design of the rating scale; factors inherent in the individual assessor; and the statistical measures used to analyse the outcome may result in a conflict between aspects of validity and reliability. Interpretations of outcome obtained with rating scales thus need to be based on knowledge about factors influencing the results.

Progressive dysarthria and augmentative and alternative communication in conversation: establishing the reliability of the Dysarthria‐in‐Interaction Profile

“…These items resonate with those examined in related aphasia interaction work (Eriksson et al 2014). To this end we have explored two questions to examine different aspects of the profiling tool's properties: r Is there a significant level of consistency across raters on the four different interaction?…”

On the diverse outcome of communication partner training of significant others of people with aphasia: an experimental study of six cases

“…Two independent assessors, not otherwise involved in the study and blinded to the date of recording, rated the video‐recordings using the assessment instrument Measure of Interaction in Conversation (MIC) (Eriksson et al . , Saldert et al . ).…”

“…Two video-recordings from dyad 2 were not assessed (one from the baseline phase and one from follow-up) since they consisted of the PWA practising reading aloud, supported by the CP, and only a few minutes of natural interaction. Two independent assessors, not otherwise involved in the study and blinded to the date of recording, rated the video-recordings using the assessment instrument Measure of Interaction in Conversation (MIC) (Eriksson et al 2014, Saldert et al 2013. The MIC uses the assessment guidelines of the rating scale MSC (Kagan et al 2004) to direct the assessor's focus to the CP's ability to create a feeling of natural adult conversation in conversation and the ability to ensure that the PWA understands and has a way of responding.…”

Factors That Influence the Relationship Between Customer Information Quality and Salesperson Performance

“…Salespersons are required to have communication skills to maintain good relations with customers (Erikssona, Bergströma, Carlssona & Harteliusa, 2014). Building good relations with customers requires a good communication strategy.…”